Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has made a major intervention in grassroots football by paying the registration fees of over 60 Nationwide League One (NLO) clubs in Kano State, committing an estimated ₦25 million to the initiative.
The move is being widely hailed as a significant boost to youth football development, providing clubs with the opportunity to compete and nurture talent at the grassroots level.
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Speaking on the development, the lawmaker stressed the importance of sports as a tool for youth engagement and national development.
“Football and sports in general help promote peace, instill discipline, and foster unity. They also help us discover talents who can make the nation proud,” he said.
Jibrin reaffirmed his commitment to investing in youth-focused programmes, highlighting sports as a critical pathway to steer young people away from drug abuse and other social vices.
“We must continue to create opportunities for our youths through education, sports, and development initiatives,” he added.
The intervention reflects his long-standing involvement in sports development across Kano State. Over the years, he has supported numerous initiatives aimed at talent discovery, community engagement, and grassroots participation across the state’s 44 local government areas.
Beyond football, the Deputy Senate President revealed ongoing infrastructure efforts, including the construction of mini stadiums and sports facilities. One such facility in Gwarzo Local Government Area is set to be officially handed over soon.
In total, more than 13 sports complexes have been developed across the Kano North Senatorial District under his initiatives.
Reacting to the gesture, Salisu Ibrahim (popularly known as Danladi Lato), speaking on behalf of the benefiting clubs, praised Jibrin for his commitment to sports development.
“This support will go a long way in helping clubs grow and giving young players the opportunity to showcase their talent,” he said.
In recognition of his contributions, the Deputy Senate President was presented with an Award of Excellence, further cementing his reputation as a key supporter of grassroots sports in Nigeria.
With this latest intervention, Barau Jibrin has once again underlined the role of leadership in driving sports development—turning football into a platform for opportunity, unity, and youth empowerment.
