Sport

 

 urges Taraba to reverse ban on football clubs By Charles Akpeji Jalingo

The Taraba state chapter of the Sports

Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the state government to consider

options for restoring two of the state's key

football teams, the Taraba Football Club

and the Taraba Queens.

Making the call on the weekend during its

Congress meeting, SWAN emphasised the

importance of these teams in promoting

local talent, enhancing youth

engagement, and fostering sports

development within the state.

The association pointed out that the

disbandment of both clubs had left a gap

in Taraba's sports culture and deprived

young athletes of an important platform

to showcase their skills.

SWAN's appeal, as noticed by The

Guardian, comes amid growing calls from

sports enthusiasts and community leaders

for the government to reinvest in local

football.

The association noted that reviving the

Taraba Football Club and the Taraba

Queens would help boost the state's

economy, provide job opportunities, and

bring excitement back to fans across the

state and the Northeast at large.

The association was also observed to have

called for action on Jolly Nyame Stadium

renovation and sports development in the

entire axis of the state.

Led by its state chairman, Sani Sulaiman,

the association called on the state

government to fulfil its pledge to renovate

the Stadium and prioritise sports

development initiatives in Taraba.

The appeal also emphasised the need for

improved facilities to foster local talent

and create a vibrant sports culture in the

state.

SWAN, in Taraba, also encouraged affluent individuals and corporate organisations to invest in the state's sports sector, highlighting the potential for impactful partnerships to drive growth and expand opportunities for young athletes.

While commending the state governor, Dr.Agbu Kefas for his recent support of two-time African badminton champion Jimkam Ephraim, who was sponsored bythe state to compete in Cairo, Egypt, the gesture, SWAN noted, reflects a commitment to nurturing athletic talent from the on the international stage.