Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has taken a decisive step towards revitalizing sports development in the state with the donation of a brand-new 32-seater bus to Confluence Queens Football Club.
The intervention, aimed at enhancing the mobility, morale, and overall competitiveness of the state-owned female football team, underscores the administration’s growing commitment to repositioning women’s football for excellence and sustainability.
Presenting the bus on behalf of Governor Ododo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to address structural and welfare challenges facing sports teams in the state.
Fanwo noted that while football clubs across the country grapple with varying degrees of difficulty, the Kogi State Government is intentional about providing tailored support to Confluence Queens to enable them compete effectively at the national level.
He encouraged the players to remain focused and resilient, describing recent setbacks as a necessary phase in the journey to greater success.
“We are aware of your challenges and are taking steps to address them. Setbacks such as relegation should inspire a stronger comeback. This team has the capacity to return to the top where it belongs,” he stated.
The Commissioner further assured the team that key welfare concerns, including improved camping facilities and enhanced remuneration, are receiving priority attention, stressing that a conducive environment is critical to optimal performance.
He charged the players to reciprocate government’s support with improved results, adding that the provision of the new bus removes a major logistical burden and should serve as motivation for greater commitment on the pitch.
“With this bus, you can compete confidently anywhere in the country. Let your performance reflect your renewed spirit. Improved results will undoubtedly attract even greater support from the Governor,” he added.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Momoh Steven, commended the Governor for the timely intervention, noting that the gesture would significantly boost the team’s morale ahead of forthcoming competitions.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the club, Abdulmalik Isah, described the donation as long overdue, while appealing for sustained support, particularly in the areas of funding and player welfare to enable the team compete favourably with their counterparts nationwide.
The Team Manager, Oluwatosin Ojo also commended the Governor for prioritizing the female team, describing the gesture as a bold statement in promoting gender inclusion in sports development.
She, however, called for the construction of a befitting camp for the team and extended the appeal for similar support to Kogi United Football Club.
