2 hours ago
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The Handball stakeholders in Kogi State have called for a comprehensive overhaul of the leadership of the state Handball Association in order to restore, re-energise and rejig for optimal performance in both local and international competitions.
Addressing journalists after a visit to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Monday Aridaojo Anyebe in his office in Lokoja on Tuesday, the stakeholders noted that the present leadership of the association could not live up to its billings and should be replaced with competent hands.
The stakeholders bemoaned that the state team which ruled the game in the 1990s have been struggling to stage a comeback with out success, saying the lackluster performances of the team is laid at the door step of the present leadership.
They noted that Kogi State’s handball history reflects significant accomplishments from winning national underage tournaments in the 1990s to representing Nigeria in international competitions.
“Kogi’s under-15 boys’ team won gold in Italy in 1995, while local teams performed well in various national championships up until 2019.
However, the stakeholders noted a decline in participation and development initiatives, which they attributed to issues within the association’s leadership.
They revealed that since 2020, Kogi’s Confluence Stars, the state’s premier league team, has struggled to participate in the league due to financial constraints and a lack of support.
This situation according to them has led some players to seek opportunities with teams in other states, undermining team cohesion and player morale.
Additionally, the once-thriving Confluence Queens which participated in national tournaments until 2020, has since disbanded”
Stakeholders, however blamed the sport’s recent decline on the leadership of Mr. Jibril Saidu, the current chairman of Kogi State Handball Association.
They alleged that Mr. Saidu’s decision to withdraw sponsorships, along with personal conflicts, has prevented Kogi from participating in critical national events.
This includes the under-12 and under-15 championships held in Sokoto over the past five years, where Kogi teams were notably absent.
In response to these challenges, the stakeholders called for the dissolution of the current board, citing a lack of effective leadership and commitment to the state’s handball development.
They propose the formation of a new board that will prioritize regional representation, involvement from former players, and individuals with strong sponsorship capabilities.
The stakeholders also endorsed Mr. Okpanachi Mark Ogah as the next chairman, describing him as a capable leader who they believe can restore Kogi State’s handball legacy within two years.
Speaking during the visit, His Royal Highness, Oba Luke Oludoyi from Isanlu who is one of the handball stakeholder appealed to the Commissioner to give them necessary support in making handball a laudable venture for the overall growth and progress of the State Sports Sector.
On his part, Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah said he is ready to advance the ideals of the stakeholders and assured of reclaiming the lost glory of the sport.
Responding, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Monday Anyebe, noted that the Kogi State Government is committed to ensuring that the sports sector in the state continues to receive the necessary support towards enhancing sporting activities in the state.
The Commissioner said under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo all sporting activities will be given adequate attention and Support.
He called on members of the handball stakeholders in the state to be united and continue to promote the activities of the handball sport in the state.
Also Present during the visit includes the Permanent Secretary of the state ministry of sports, Mr Jibo Haruna Muhammed, the Director Kogi State Sports Council, Mr Onipe Obakachi and other Directors of the Ministry.
