The Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has assured President of the Nigeria Judo Federation, Dr. Musa Oshodi, of its support for his re-election bid.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, gave the assurance when he received the National President of the Judo Federation and his entourage who were in Lafia, the State capital, on Thursday, to solicit support.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary said, “We heard about your coming, and, and we have also heard about the good things you have done for us as a State, ranging from donations of sporting equipment to other supports, particularly to one of the aspiring daughters of our State, Esther Obile Allu, who is currently a certified International Judo Referee and Financial Secretary of the Nigeria Judo Referees’ Association.
“These are, indeed, proud moments for us as a State.
“As a State, we like continuity and advancement. We kindly request your further supports for our coaches and athletes to be at par with their counterparts around the world.
“On behalf of my principal, the Honourable Commissioner, who has directed me to receive you on his behalf, I want to thank you for the numerous pledges you have made to develop our Judo activities and personnel which align with the blueprint of the current administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule for sports and talent development in the State.
“Kindly consider Nasarawa State in your developmental programmes once you assume the function of your second tenure.
“Your leadership has supported and stood for Nasarawa State in sundry ways. It’s now only right to reciprocate the gesture by supporting your desire to vie again for the position of the President of the Nigeria Judo Federation.
“Rest assured that you have our full support for the next Federation’s election. We will also use our contacts and networks across other States to campaign for you so that you will emerge victorious at the end of the contest.
“Only by your victory can we benefit from your myriad of programmes for our State”, the Permanent Secretary remarked.
Speaking earlier, President of the Nigeria Judo Federation, Dr. Musa Oshodi, revealed the essence of his visit to Nasarawa State.
“Nasarawa is an important State to me, not because I am seeking re-election but because of things we have done together in the past, and still doing today.
“The State has contributed immensely to judo development in the country, particularly to talent development, where one of your great ambassadors, Mrs. Esther Obile Allu, has continued to distinguish herself in the sport as she is about being the only female Nigerian recognized by the International Judo Federation as a certified referee – she is the latest and most up-to-date referee we have in the Nigeria Judo Federation today.
“In an ideal situation, a State with such passion for Judo development should be a stop-over spot for anyone who desires the best in this sport.
“I want Nasarawa State to benefit more under my leadership, which is why I have come to reveal some of the lofty packages I have for the State and its judo community.
“I kindly solicit your support to enable me emerge victorious next month when our election will hold”, the Lagos State-based Judo Federation President appealed.
Oshodi who is seeking a second, four-year tenure added that his second tenure would be characterized with massive infrastructural development, capacity building, and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with organisations and individuals around the world to move the Judo Federation in Nigeria to Category A from its current Category C in the league of the International Judo Federation.
He said he would ensure a National Judo Tournament is held in Nasarawa State in honour of Governor Abdullahi Sule in appreciation of his massive support to Judo development in the State and Nigeria.
Oshodi assumed office as President of the Nigeria Judo Federation about four years ago.
Directors and a few staff of the Ministry joined the Permanent Secretary in receiving the President and his team.
