Follow Us on Google
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has directed officials to facilitate flight arrangements for the Nigerian Kabaddi team through Lagos ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, pledging government support and challenging the athletes to return with medals.
Otu gave the directive while receiving members of the team and sports stakeholders, assuring the delegation that his administration would assess its requirements and provide appropriate assistance.
“It has actually been a policy to encourage sports in all ramifications of it,” the governor said, stressing the need for private-sector investment to complement government funding.
“The world over, it has become clear that government alone cannot sponsor sports. Private entities have to come into it to be able to provide the modern facilities that are required,” he said.
Commending the athletes for their dedication, Otu expressed confidence in their ability to compete favourably, noting that international exposure would also provide valuable experience for future championships.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Daniel Damola, commended the governor for supporting the introduction and development of Kabaddi in Cross River State, describing him as the first Nigerian governor to endorse the sport.
Other News
Damola said Kabaddi, which enjoys considerable popularity in Asian countries, was gradually gaining recognition across Africa.
He disclosed that Otu’s contribution had attracted international attention during a delegates’ meeting in Ahmedabad.
India, where representatives were informed of the governor’s support.
According to him, the delegates subsequently voted to recognise Otu’s contribution, with the proposed honour scheduled for October 29, 2026, in India.
Damola expressed confidence that the recognition and continued government support would encourage more young people to embrace the sport.
Also speaking, the team’s Technical Head, Collins Eko, praised Otu’s commitment and assured him that the athletes were determined to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Eko said the team would give its best at the championship, expressing optimism that a strong performance would raise Nigeria’s profile in Kabaddi and attract more young people to the sport.
