Niger State’s sporting landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation with the creation of the Niger State Sports Commission under the administration of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.
This initiative builds on the vision of the former administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, which had planned to elevate the Ministry of Sports to a Commission but was unable to do so due to time and political constraints.
Governor Bago’s administration, however, took decisive action by passing the bill establishing the Sports Commission, and since its inauguration, the Commission has recorded significant achievements across all areas of sporting life in the state.
Early Successes and National Recognition
Speaking on the Commission’s achievements, the Chairman, Hon. Danjuma Masu said:
“When I took over as the Chairman, within a few weeks, we took our athletes to Asaba to participate in the National Youth Games and won 11 medals. That alone motivated us to be more committed to ensuring we improve the lives of youths ready to make fortunes from sports.”
Currently, the Commission is hosting the Niger State Intercollegiate Sports Festival at Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, with 13 schools in attendance, including seven universities and other tertiary institutions.
The Chairman expressed optimism:
“I can assure you that next time you visit, we will have an even better result for you.”
Notably, for the first time in 20 years, Niger Tornadoes are competing at home on natural grass, using world-class sporting facilities in the stadium, a major milestone for the state.
Discovering and Nurturing Talent Across the State
Addressing plans to ensure talent discovery across Niger State’s 25 Local Government Areas, the Chairman highlighted several programs for 2026, despite funding and infrastructure challenges:
Intercollegiate Games–ongoing as part of the 2026 calendar
Inter-Secondary School Games – scheduled for April and May
Local Championship Games – including inter-primary school and local government festivals
“These sporting activities have never happened since Niger State was created over 35 years ago. We are committed to reviving them and providing opportunities for youths to build careers in sports,” the Chairman affirmed.
Bridging Sports and Education
On initiatives to integrate sports with education, the Chairman (Danjuma Masu) emphasized the importance of academics in athletes’ long-term success which includes;
Continuing Time Out Africa, a 15-year-Old programme in Niger State
Partnering with a French organization on handball academic programmes
Developing academic programs covering football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, and track & field, with a special focus on the girls’ child
“All these programs will combine academics with sporting excellence and will operate on a scholarship basis up to university level. We want to ensure the future of our children remains a priority,” he explained.
Infrastructural Development Plans
Looking ahead, the Chairman shared ambitious plans for sports infrastructure:, “In the next few years, Niger State will have world-class sporting facilities that will stand the test of time. By 2031, the state will host two major sporting festivals, reducing the burden on the National Stadium in Abuja and boosting the local economy”
“ This comprehensive development package will also strengthen North-Central Nigeria’s sports capacity.”
Conclusion
Since its creation, the Niger State Sports Commission has revitalized the state’s sports ecosystem, focusing on talent discovery, academic integration, and infrastructural development.
With ongoing programmes, scholarships, and world-class facilities in the pipeline, the Commission is reshaping the narrative of sports in Niger State , giving youths opportunities to excel both on the field and in the classroom.