By Ahmed Ajikobi
The Federal Government has concluded plans to establish an office of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in Kwara State, following the development of state-of-the-art sports facilities by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Mogaji, disclosed this in Ilorin, noting that NIS officials were highly impressed by the facilities provided by the state government.
Mogaji spoke at the unveiling of a book titled The Sardauna of Ilorin in the Eyes of History, written in honour of Governor AbdulRazaq, who holds the traditional title of Sardauna of Ilorin. The book was authored by Abiodun Abdul Kareem, a senior journalist and Ag. Editor of The Herald on Sunday.
According to Mogaji, NIS officials visited Kwara three weeks ago to assess the sports infrastructure developed by the AbdulRazaq administration over the past seven years.
The delegation expressed immense satisfaction with the facilities at the state stadium complex, confirming that the state would host the proposed NIS office.
Mogaji stated that the development reflects the growing national recognition of Kwara’s investment in sports.
He noted that the state’s stadium complex boasts some of the finest squash court facilities in the world, which has contributed to improved medal-winning performances by Kwara contingents at national and international competitions.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu, praised AbdulRazaq’s contributions to governance, youth development, and national progress, stating that the governor’s legacy would remain a reference point for the next 50 years.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mallam Umar Abdulwahab, explained that the event aimed to provide a platform for discussions on leadership, public service, and historical preservation, ensuring that valuable governance experiences are documented for future generations.
The high-profile event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, represented by Magaji Ogundele; the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Mamman Jibril; and various senior government advisers.
