NNGF Chairman Inuwa Yahaya Receives Kano Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf in Gombe

The Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has received his Kano State counterpart, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the Government House, Gombe, where both leaders held a closed-door meeting.

During a brief interaction before the closed door meeting, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya's leadership of the Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum and expressed admiration for the scale of infrastructure development he witnessed on his way from the airport to the Government House, 

He noted that Gombe had undergone a significant transformation since his last visit.

"I have seen quite a lot of mind-boggling infrastructure. The last time I came to Gombe, the city was not like this. I am astonished by the level of development that I have seen," Governor Yusuf remarked.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya thanked his Kano counterpart for the visit and appreciated his generous remarks. 

The Gombe Governor was joined by his Deputy,  Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau to receive his visitor.

Gombe motivates Team Nigeria Tennis players in Tunisia

Chairman, Chief Executive officer of Green White Green (GWG) Sports Center Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe has displayed kind gesture to Team Nigeria at the ongoing ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunisia.

Gombe, who visited the Rades Multi-Sports Complex, treated the Nigerian contingent to a sumptuous meal as part of his effort to motivate the team to give their best at the prestigious continental event.

“As a proud Nigerian, I’m deeply moved in the success of our teams across all sports. 

This table tennis team holds a special place in my heart. Seeing these young men and women represent our country inspires me to support and encourage them".

The immediate past Gombe Athletics Association boss said, “I’ve visited the venue twice to cheer them on, and I felt they needed an extra boost of motivation. That’s why I decided to host them to a meal and lift their spirits, help the team give their best for Nigeria. I’m truly impressed by their discipline and the way they’ve conducted themselves under the guidance of our legend, Segun Toriola. This is my humble token of support,and I wish them success in all their matches,” he added.

President of ITTF Africa, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, expressed gratitude for Gara-Gombe’s thoughtful gesture, describing it as a morale booster for the team.

“We sincerely thank Mr. Gara-Gombe for taking the time to visit the team over the past two days, cheering them on and encouraging them. His generous act of hosting the team to a delightful meal in Tunis is both inspiring and uplifting. 

He has proven himself to be a true friend of table tennis and a passionate supporter of sports in general,” Oshodi said

Gombe unveils petition against AFN and Olopade's EFCC involvement

Sports entrepreneur and Chairman Gombe State Athletics Association Hon Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe has explained reasons he petitioned EFCC over alleged financial improprieties in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the director general of National Sports Commission (NSC) Hon. Bukola Olokpade's involvement 

"Having not been satisfied with the explanations offered and also not satisfied with the position taken by AFN itself, I want an independent body to investigate the AFN financial activities. That's the reason for the petition to EFCC"

Gombe, in a chat with Journalists in Abuja recently said he issued a statement to a letter received from lawyers of Hon. Bukola Olopade the NSC DG giving him Seven Days ultimatum to delete, apologize and retract a statement he allegedly made against their clients (Olopade) in the social media about an on-going petition with the EFCC.

"I sent the letter to my lawyers who studied and advised accordingly and in response to their letter, I said, Let's meet in court, I am not going to retract, delete or apologize.

It is more than one month I have not heard from them"

The former Gombe football Association Chairman insisted that the error Olopade and his lawyers made was that "I did nothing to defame him"

Olopade was under investigation and failed to respond to investigators and investigators failed to apply the law for persons who failed to honour sormons.

"I want the public to know I'm not going to compromise on this matter and Hon. Olopade should understand that I have no problem with him, rather he created problems between us, the petition did not mention his name. 

As a stakeholder, and member of the Congress of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, I have rights to demand for financial statements of the federation.

I did not petition them as Chairman Gombe State Athletics Association, I petitioned as Chairman of a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) recognised by law.

One of our mandates is to ensure accountability, transparency and good governance in athletics and other sports in Nigeria."

This also includes any stakeholder and organisations, we have rights under the law to bring such persons to book for national interest.

According to him, Hon. Olopade was inviting trouble when he instructed his lawyers to send me that kind of letter and I hope, I will not consume him.

Before then, He has been sending private messages to me. I have a message where Hon.Olopade invited me to a meeting. I didn't even have his number, but when I asked who is this, "I asked you for a meeting"

I gave him time and where we can meet based on his request, he kept me waiting for two weeks. When I asked him why he kept me waiting, he said, he thought I am the one to call him back.

I told him no, you are getting it wrong, you are a public servernt.

Don't behave that way, I'm advising you, don't behave that way.

Hon. Olopade also threatened me in a message, but I kept it, there would be a time to let it out.

If Olopade thinks too high about himself, I am not afraid of you people"

"For over 25 years in sports I have not been afraid of threats on my life, investigation of any kind nothing was found on me, nothing.

My conscience is very clear, anybody in the sports sector who feels Gara Gombe must be silenced, you are making a huge mistake.

This is a gathering storm, hope it won't consume everybody.

Again, my petition to EFCC was not pointing at Hon. Olopade."

The petition was actually directed at AFN President Tonobok Okowa and former Secretary Rita Mosindi.

These are the two people, but there's no way these two would be investigated without Olopade's involvement as an agent to the federation.

At the time this happened you were the substantive Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Marketing Company and you can't deny it.

Hon. Gara- Gombe also discussed and revealed more facts behind his petition against AFN.

"Note that immediately, the former AFN scribe Rita Mosindi was removed they have gone back to same old ways.

The new secretary sent State Athletics Association letters for registration/subscription asking them to make payments or dues into a private bank account.

This is a secretary that was posted just recently to AFN, they have started giving him different orientation".

Gombe State Athletics Association under my watch will not pay a dime into any private account.

If they like, they should refuse registering Gombe in any competition then, they would see problem, we are ready to pay, definitely not into a private account.

We have continued to emphasize that AFN doesn't have an account, instead of opening one, they are directing members to put money in a private account.

Again, the AFN Congress in Asaba was an illegal one, decisions taken there cannot stand, because I raised that issue, I was removed from the platform of Athletics Association Chairmen till today. AFN made a costly mistake by delisting me , like I said, something will happen in athletics federation of Nigeria very soon. 

He cautioned the NSC DG to desist from calling him, "If you want to engage me, its your problem.

You have threatened me by sending messages, that's your problem.

I have warned Olopade not to call me again and I hope he would stop.

I can tell you there's no expiring date to justice. 

The way things are going, it may even consume NSC itself.

The NSC as presently constituted is operating illegally.

The act establishing NSC says it must have a board, right now, there's no Board.

We have those operating as sole administrators with clashing functions.

Where is the board, even people there want to operate as executive chairman, but the law subsists until it is amended, at the moment, it has not been amended. 

There has been serious campaign to make someone an executive chairman, but if that happens, what would be the function of the DG who supposed to be the NSC head of administration.

The Chairman and board should be at a distance to allow the DG formulate policies to drive NSC, as it is, everyone is a sole administrator.

Is it how the sports economy is going to run?

Any decision NSC takes now is illegal without a board and could be challenged in court"..said Gombe

Athletics Champ: How Maryam Saad, Female Artist Thrilled Gombe Crowd inside Pantami Stadium

Katsina State based female artist Maryam Sa'ad was a delight to watch as she thrilled the crowed at the official opening ceremony of 2025 of Gombe Inter Secondary Schools Athletics which held on Tuesday at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe State.

The Katsina born music artist lived up to expectations as her songs and artistic display on stage saw spectators dancing to frenzy. 

The 23 year-old graduate of Katsina State College of Education performed for 20 minutes and her songs received a good applouse and was commended by Director General of the competition, Hon Ahmed Gara Gombe and other guests who had to stepped down from the VIP stand to join in the dancing spree.

Speaking after her brilliant performance, female artist said she started her music career at Seven in Katsina and she had performed in various states and composed different songs for politicians and other dignitaries in the Northern part of Nigeria.

She also expressed her gratitude to Hon. Gara Gombe for inviting her to perform at a huge event of this magnitude and extended her appreciation to fans for the love showed during her performance.

"I am happy that the good people of Gombe accepted my songs and I thank Honourable Gara Gombe for giving me the opportunity to perform in Patanmi Stadium where more than 2,000 children were in attendance,"she said. 

Saar said she would continue to remain focused and ensure that she uses her songs to put smile on the faces of youths in Northern part of Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, Manager of popular artist, Abubakar Bature said he was not suprised with the performance of Saad saying that she has natural talents in music when she started seven years ago in Katsina.

"I came across her in 2017 and I observed that Saad is gifted in music.Since I became her manager,she has been improving tremendously.

"I am happy that she was at her best at the official opening ceremony of Gombe Inter Secondary Schools Athletics championship and principal cup football competition.She has not reached her pinnacle of music career yet I am still planning to get a job for her in other states especially in Lagos and outside the country,"he said

Gombe Principals' Cup MVP Eyes Super Eagles, Real Madrid Shirt

The Most Valuable Player of the just concluded Gombe State Principals Cup Football Competition for secondary schools, Abdullahi Bello Aliyu, has said that his target is to play for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga.

He also said his dream was to play for the Nigerian senior men's national football team, Super Eagles.

The former Kano Pillars FC feeder team player, who was a cynosure of all eyes in the opening and final matches of the one week soccer fiesta at the Pantami Stadium, told sports journalists that he also hopes to play for Gombe United FC in future.

The 22 years old SSS3 student of Savannah Group of Schools, added that he plans to go for trials after his final exams with the hope of signing professional contract soon.

"The final game was important to us and ee prepared for it but unfortunately we lost to settle for silver. We are going to start preparing for the next edition, even though some of us will not be there. I thank my teammates, Games Master and the school management for helping us to reach this far.

"My target is to play for Supper Eagles and Real Madrid, so I will continue to train hard to achieve that and become a great player like Victor Osimhen," Aliyu said.

Gombe Inter Schools Athletics, Principal Cup Tourney Ends, As Winners Celebrate

The ongoing Gombe State Inter Secondary Schools Athletics Championship featuring participants from across the state’s 11 local  government areas has proven as a revaluation ground of future talents. With the championship coming to an end this 

weekend, some schools are already celebrating their achievements, awards, and standout performances.

The competition has not only highlights individual athletic prowess but also fosters school spirit and camaraderie among students.

One of the standout performers was U-20 Boy’s 3000m champion, Lamech Danladi who represented Diocesan High 

School Bulari. Danladi set a personal best record (PB) enroute his victory.

Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Shehu Abubakar are the champions of the 2025 Gombe State Inter Secondary School Principal’s 

Cup. 

The school’s football team defeated Savannah School Gombe in a keenly final match played at the Gombe Stadium in Pantami on Friday evening to emerge champions of the five days soccer fiesta. Ademu Maigari scored the lone goal of the match seven minutes to hand his side the giant trophy of the competition and two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) cash prize. 

The GDSS’s victory over Savannah in the Gombe Principal’s Cup not only 

highlights the school’s soccer prowess but also fosters school pride and community spirit.

In the third match decided before thefinal match, Government Science Technical College (GSTC) defeated Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Academy 4-3 

on penalty to win the bronze medal. 

The 2025 Gombe State Inter Secondary Schools Principal’s Cup, the first of it’s kind in the entire North east region was put together by the chief executive officer  (CEO) of the Green White  Green (GWG), Ahmed Shuaibu-Gara Gombe

Emir of Gombe Dr. Abubakar, Assures Continued Support for Sponsors, Organisers of Sports activities in the Emirate

The Emir of Gombe, H.R.H Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar has applauded the sponsor of Gombe state maiden edition of inter secondary schools athletics and Principal cup competition, Hon. Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe.

His Royal Highness Abubakar Shehu Abubakar made the commendation at the closing ceremony of the 5-day championship held at Pantami stadium.

The emir who was represented by Dan Adalan Gombe, Alhaji Muhammad Baba Mabani said that the championship will go along ways especially in recruiting the hidden talented athletes and at the same time improve their skills for future national and international engagements.

"We really appreciate Hon. Gara's commitment and determination in moving the state forward as far as sports was concerned in the state,'' the Emir explained.

He however said, that the Emirate council will continue to support such kind of programme aimed at motivating Hon. Gara to do more for the community and the state in general.

While congratulating the winners for making their schools proud, he urged the losers to redouble efforts in the subsequent edition of the championships.

The Emir was later awarded a lifetime patron of the competition by the organiser of the competition Hon. Gara Gombe which was the highlight of the closing ceremony

...As GDSS Doma, Shehu Abubakar Shine at Gombe Inter-secondary Schools Athletics, Principals Cup

The 2025 Gombe State Inter-secondary Schools Athletics and Principals Cup Football Competition came to a glittering end on Saturday with a colourful closing ceremony at the Pantami Stadium.

Medals were also given to deserving individual athletes and teams, who excelled at the one week sports extravaganza.

The closing ceremony, which was attended by Alhaji Mohammed Baba Magami, the representative of the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, and the state Commissioner of Education, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, also included the finals of the 400×100 relays for U-20 boys and girls, U-18 boys and girls and U-16 boys and girls.

Besides the competitive events, there was also the invitational relays for higher institutions, which Gombe Athletics Academy dusted North-East University and Gombe State Polytechnic to clinch gold.

Earlier on Friday evening, GDSS Shehu Abubakar defeated Savannah Group of Schools Gombe 4-3 on penalties after playing 0-0 in regulation time to win football gold, while Government Science Technical College (GSTC) Gombe defeated IDP Academy 1-0 to claim bronze medal.

In athletics, GGMC Doma garnered 9 gold, 5 silver and 6 bronze medals to top the medals table; GVTC Kamara came second with 8 gold, 5 silver and 7 bronzes, while GDSS Bolari East placed third on the standings with 6 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze medals.

The fourth position went to GDSS Ahmadu Gombe with 5 gold, zero silver and zero bronze medals; Diocesan High School was fifth with 4 gold, 7 silver and 1 bronze medal.

Out of the 73 secondary schools that featured in the athletics events, only 24 schools registered their names on the medals table, with Sechem Academy languishing at the basement with one (1) bronze medal.

There were also individual awards for Abdullahi Bello Aliyu, who won the Most Valuable Player award in football; the Best Goalkeeper award and the Highest Goals Scorer award in the football event.

Governor Inuwa to declare Gombe Inter Schools Athletics, Football Championship open Tuesday

The 2025 Gombe Inter Secondary Schools Athletics Championship and Grassroots Football Competition will commence tomorrow Tuesday at the Patani Stadium.

The participating athletes, officials and other stakeholders, including journalists, have arrived Gombe, the state capital city ahead of the sports fiesta.

According to the event programmes released by the organisers, the Governor Inuwa Yahaya is topping the list of dignitaries invited for the opening ceremony of the championships being put together by the Gombe State Athletics Association under leadership of Ahmed Gara Gombe in collaboration with the Green White Green (GWG) Sports Center Limited.

His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III the Emir of Gombe, who is also the chairman of Gombe State Council Of Emir will serve as the royal Father of the Day during the opening ceremony of the competition featuring athletes from 73 schools in 11 local government areas of the State.

Other distinguish guests expected at the opening ceremony are Professor, Abubakar Ibrahim Njodi, the secretary to the state government, Commissioner for Education in Gombe State, Professor, Aishatu Umar Maigari and his Youth and Sports counterpart, Alhaji Adamu Inuwa Pantami.

The chairman of Gombe State Athletics Association, Ahmed Gara Gombe, who is also the director general of the competition, explained that the State Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), are fully behind this initiative.

The SUBEB chairman in the State, Alhaji Babaji Babadidi, will also be attendance at the occasion with Barrister Sani Haruna, the ALGON Chairman Gombe State and Chairman Gombe Local Government Area.

73 schools in 11LGA's confirm readiness for Gombe Inter-Schools Athletics Championships

The Gombe State Inter-Secondary Schools Athletics Competition 2025 has received a boost with 73 schools across 11 Local Government Areas have officially registered to participate in the championship.

This highly anticipated event, scheduled to take place from 19th to 25th January 2025, will be held at the prestigious Pantami Township Stadium situated in Gombe Metropolis.

The competition, which includes public and private schools such as GDSS Dukku West, GSS Bolari East, Emerald International Academy, and Diocesan High School, aims at promoting sportsmanship, uncover young athletic talents, and foster youth development.

Participants will compete in varieties of events, including 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m races, 4x100m and 4x400m relays, shot put, long jump, high jump, triple jump, and javelin throw, among others. 

Football matches are also scheduled, with youth football teams for boys competing in exciting games leading to the finals.

Also note that scouts from Germany led by a former captain of Flying Eagles, a EUFA Licence Coach Adrew Uwe and Coach Henry Ambrose from AGIC-DIASPORA FOOTBALL OUTREACH will be in Gombe to scout for talents during the

Principal's Cup football Competition.

The opening ceremony will include a match pass, which kicks off on 19th January, while the closing ceremony on 25th January will feature the presentation of medals and awards to outstanding athletes and schools.

This initiative, organized by the Gombe State Athletics Association under the leadership of Hon. Ahmad Shuaibu Gara-Gombe and sponsored by the Green White Green Sports Center, also includes the Principals Cup Football Competition, bringing together over 3,500 athletes and footballers across the 11 Local Government Areas in the State 

The event offers more than just competition. Participants and spectators will enjoy the fully-equipped Games Village, fitted with security, accommodation, healthcare, food, and entertainment, making it a holistic experience.

Organizers are excited about the strong response and are committed to delivering a well-organized and competitive event that will serve as a platform for nurturing future athletes and fostering collaboration among schools

Veterans, Alex Mana, Abass Mohammed, others top list of Officials for Gombe Athletics Championships

The Chairman of Gombe State Athletics Association (GSAA), Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe has made public the list of notable officials to officiate at the 2025 Gombe Inter Secondary School Athletics Competition.

Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, in a press statement issued on Wednesday named 12 top athletics officials with vast experience in managing big athIetics event headed by Honourable Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe will take charge of the competition.

Hon. Gara Gombe, a former board member of Nigeria Football Association now Nigeria Football Federation will be the competition Director General while Dr. Alex Sule Mana is the competition manager.

Prince Simon Ayuba, is the Competition Technical Manager, Chief Track Judge is Abbas Mohammed and Gama Yakubu is Chief Field Judge as well as referee alongside Solomon Achi the Chief Time Keeper.

Hon. Gara Gombe, explained that because of the importance placed on the competition, they have carefully selected the officials to take charge of the 5 day event that is enjoying positive commendation from key athIetics stakeholders across the country.

Haruna Isa Kalshingi, is the scribe of the week long event while Kolo Mohammed is the Chief Umpire.

A lot has been happening in Gombe especially in and around the Pantani Stadium venue of the Competition as athletes are seen in their numbers going for training with huge expectation

Gombe State Athletics Association boycotts Event

 

All AthIetics stakeholders are hereby notified that on no account should any AthIete, NAATO officials participate in the proposed AthIetics competition planned to commence today, October 22, 2024 at the Pantami Stadium.

In a statement been E-signed by the Chairman Gombe State Athletics Association, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, said, it's cogent to note that AthIetics World-wide have rules of engagement which all stakeholders must obey, therefore, not meeting these rules by the organisers, the Gombe State Athletics Association has decided to exit from the competition in accordance to the rules of the AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and by extension the World AthIetics.

Part of the reasons Gombe AthIetics Association is boycotting the competition are as follows:

1. The competition is below AthIetics standards both in procurement of running facilities and medical and insurance requirements.

2. Organisers of the competition are largely unknown to leaders of Gombe State Athletics Association as Facilities for the competition are either sub-standard or none existant.

3. All  NAATO officials were not Formally/Officially invited for the competition. 

Gombe AthIetics Association leadership cannot tolerate under its watch for Athletes and Athletics to be ridiculed or shamed by ignorant state machineries.

In the same breath, the GAA leadership has directed its officials not to participate in the event. 

Failure to heed to the instructions will attract severe sanctions  in accordance with the ethics of NAATO. 

Also, ,any athlete registered would risk sanctions and more penalties.

The Gombe State Athletics  Association hierachy therefore urge members to synegise with the State Athletics Association for growth and talent discovery.