*Optimistic Elkanemi will be promoted to premier league
By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
The Borno State Government has shown its appreciation to young athletes from the state, who achieved gold, silver, and bronze medals at the National Youth Games (NYG) held in Asaba, Delta State last year.
The Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Sainna Buba, disbursed cash to the deserving winners at his office on Monday.
It would be recalled that last year, Borno State participated in the U-15 festival and emerged earned gold, silver, and bronze medals in some events.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum deemed their achievements worthy of recognition and decided to motivate and encourage the players by rewarding them with cash.
The gold medalists received one hundred and fifty thousand Naira each, silver, received one hundred thousand Naira, and bronze medalists received fifty thousand Naira each.
Additionally, the government also recognized the efforts of the coaches and other staff involved.
During the cash presentation ceremony, the commissioner commended the players for bringing pride to the state and announced that Borno State had fully paid all the entitlements of Elkanemi players, including some outstanding debts.
He also assured football enthusiasts in the state that the team will be promoted to the premier league stage this year while disclosing efforts being made by the ministry to refurbish the old sports council bus along with a new bus that will be provided soon.
According to him, the Sports Council has decided that there will no longer be free entry into the stadium, while reiterating state government’s plans to recruit more athletes and players from the Borno State community across the 27 LGAs of the state to represent in various sporting events nationwide.
The young players expressed gratitude to the state government and pledged to maintain the tempo, while rededicating their commitment and performance in future.
