Appoints aides to ensure proper execution of promises
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a momentous election held at the Keffi Local Government Area Secretariat, Usman Salisu Galadima, affectionately known as ‘Basira, was elected as the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association. The election results were announced by Barr. Haruna Favour Iliyasu, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, in the presence of representatives from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Usman Salisu Galadima secured a remarkable victory by garnering twelve out of a possible eighteen votes, defeating his closest rival, Haliru Ibrahim, also known as ‘Zee,’ who managed to secure only four votes. Two votes were considered invalid due to discrepancies in the ballot sheets. This resounding victory signals a promising era for football in Nasarawa State under Usman Salisu Galadima’s leadership.
In addition to the Chairman, the Vice Chairmanship position was filled by Ibrahim Adamu Shigafarta, who received sixteen votes, thereby winning by a legal interpretation due to the geographical zone factor. The remaining Board members, Nuhu Abdulhamid, Ismaila Agah, Bashir Ibrahim, Nasir Na’Ali, Abubakar Gambo, Segun Akeusola, and Matthew Dodo, were elected unopposed or won by substantial margins, depending on their respective zones.
The oath of office was administered to the new Board Members by Barr. Abdullahi Bello of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, signifying the official beginning of their tenure.
In his post-inauguration speech, Chairman Usman Salisu Galadima expressed his enthusiasm for the new journey ahead, describing it as a “new dawn for football development in the State.” He pledged to hit the ground running and extend an olive branch to those who didn’t succeed in the election, all in the pursuit of growth and development of football in Nasarawa State.
The State Government, represented by Barr. Isaac Danladi, Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, congratulated the new Chairman and all the contestants for their courage. He emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the continued development of football in the State.
Notably, the Normalisation Committee formerly headed by Hon. Aliyu Bello was commended for ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process. The government reiterated its commitment to working with the newly elected Board to advance football in the state.
Representative of the Nigeria Football Federation’s President, Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, presented the Certificate of Return to Chairman Usman Salisu Galadima and commended the Normalisation Committee for its role in ensuring a transparent and successful election process. Ahlan highlighted the NFF’s commitment to working with the Nasarawa State Football Association to develop grassroots football and nurture young talents.
Prior to the dissolution of the Normalisation Committee, Hon. Aliyu Bello expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coordinate the election process and pledged continued support for the new leadership of the State FA.
Executive Chairman of Keffi Local Government Area, Hon. Mohammed Shehu-Baba, thanked the NFF for choosing Keffi as the election venue and emphasized the town’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for the peaceful conduct of the election.
The four-year tenure of the Usman Salisu Galadima-led Nasarawa State Football Association’s Board promises a fresh start for football in the state, with a commitment to unity and progress.
Sun gathered that the election ceremony witnessed the presence of various dignitaries, including Hon. Othman Bala Adam, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Yarus Dagusa, Secretary of the APC in Nasarawa State, Mustapha Sani Bello, Director of Technical at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Turaki Gamji, Chairman of the Nasarawa State Traders’ Association, as well as representatives from the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NAYES, and journalists.
Meanwhile In a bid to ensure the efficient execution of its duties, the recently elected Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, Alhaji Salisu Usman Galadima (popularly known as Dan Iyan Kwandere), has announced a series of key appointments within the association.
In an official announcement made by the F.A, yesterday the following individuals have been appointed to various roles, Alhaji Salisu Usman Galadima has appointed sports journalist, Adams Jesse Odoba-Yacham, to serve as the new Public Relations Officer. He will be assisted in his duties by Muazu Jibrin Madaki, ensuring that the association’s activities and updates are effectively conveyed to the public.
Secretary: Miss Blessing David, a former assistant secretary of the association, has been promoted to the crucial role of Secretary. Her experience and dedication to the association will undoubtedly contribute to its smooth operation while Abdulsalam Abubakar will serve as the Assistant Secretary, supporting Miss David in her responsibilities.
Bringing legal expertise to the association, Barr. Haruna Iliya Favour, a widely respected legal luminary, has been appointed as the Legal Adviser. His legal counsel will be invaluable in navigating the legal aspects of the association’s activities.
Jibrin Kaura will serve as the Personal Assistant to Alhaji Galadima Usman Salisu (Dan Iyan Kwandere). In this role, he will provide direct support to the Chairman in various administrative capacities.
All these appointments take immediate effect, as confirmed by the Vice Chairman of the association, Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu Shigafata. With this new team in place, the Nasarawa State Football Association is poised to advance its mission and contribute to the growth and development of football in the state.