Bauchi moves to end importation of athletes, intensifies grassroots talent development
By Ahmad Ahmed
The Bauchi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has reaffirmed its resolve to identify, nurture, and promote indigenous sporting talents capable of representing the state at all levels of competition without relying on athletes from other parts of the federation.
The overseeing Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, stated this while addressing sports journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing Fourth Edition of the Bauchi State Sports Festival.
He declared that the long-standing practice of hiring athletes from other states to compete for Bauchi at zonal, national, and international events had been discontinued, stressing that the state is committed to building a sustainable sports development system driven by local talent.
Alhaji Ibrahim appealed to stakeholders, sports administrators, and the media to support the ministry’s vision, noting that sustained encouragement and collaboration are critical to achieving the desired transformation in the sector.
He disclosed that the Bauchi State Government has approved plans to upgrade existing sports facilities and construct new ones across the 20 local government areas, with implementation expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026.
He further revealed that the ministry would place greater emphasis on proper preparation of athletes, including structured camping programmes of at least two weeks ahead of participation in zonal and national competitions, to enhance performance and competitiveness.
Speaking on the organisation of the ongoing sports festival, the Permanent Secretary said a stakeholders’ seminar was held ahead of the event.
The meeting brought together sports officers from the 20 local government areas, former directors of sports, coaches, technocrats, and other key stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free and successful festival.
According to him, athletes from across the local government areas have so far won a total of 165 medals in various male and female categories.
He added that several events, including volleyball, handball, table tennis, athletics, kokawa, and dambe, have already been concluded.
The Fourth Edition of the Bauchi State Sports Festival is scheduled to close on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
