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National Para Games: Is Gombe State ready to show up at all?

  With just six days to the 3rd National Para Games in Abuja, preparations across host venues have reached advanced stages. The Moshood Abiola National Stadium is set to serve as the central hub, with multiple para-sport events scheduled across its facilities, while other competitions will take place at designated locations such as Jabi Lake and the Velodrome from March 26 to April 3, 2026. But beyond the readiness of the host city lies a more pressing and uncomfortable question for stakeholders in Gombe State: Is Gombe truly prepared to be part of this national event or is it at risk of being absent altogether? Confirming initial plans, the Director of Sports in Gombe State, Manga Sale, stated that three associations; para athletics, para table tennis, and para cycling are expected to represent the state at the Games. On paper, this suggests participation. In reality, however, it raises deeper concerns: Are these teams adequately trained, funded, and competition-ready? Or is this ...
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Dankwambo Chairs His Inaugural Chess Federation Board Meeting, Sets Vision for Grassroots and Institutional Growth

The newly elected President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Senator Ibrahim H. Dankwambo, PhD, OON (Talban Gombe), on Thursday, November 6, 2025, presided over the inaugural meeting of the Federation’s Board in Abuja. The meeting is a significant step in repositioning chess development in Nigeria, as the board reviewed its 2025 programs with key focus areas including funding, capacity building, athlete welfare, and the expansion of chess into secondary and tertiary institutions nationwide. In his remarks, Senator Dankwambo commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its ongoing efforts to strengthen the sports sector through innovation, transparency, and inclusiveness. He noted that the Federation’s renewed vision aligns with the NSC’s broader agenda for sports development across the country. The newly elected Federation President underscored the importance of strategic planning and collaboration in advancing chess in Nigeria, stating that the NCF would ...

SWAN Celebrate three Gombe illustrious sons over prestigious Sports Icons national awards

  The Gombe State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has congratulated three distinguished sons of the State over their deserved awards during the SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration held in Abuja. Malam Farouk Yarma, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Sports Limited, the pioneer Chairman of the Gombe State Sports Commission and one time Commissioner for Youths, was honoured along with the Director General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, and immediate past Gombe State SWAN Chairman, Halilu Mohammed Teli, for advancing sports development and journalism. The honour bestowed upon them by the national leadership of SWAN under Isaiah Benjamin, was in acknowledgement of their invaluable contributions to sports development and their support for the Association’s growth both within Gombe State and across the nation. In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Mark Malele, and Secretary, Williams Attah, the Association described the ...

Three Gombe Sports Icons Honoured at SWAN @60 Celebration

Three illustrious sports icons from Gombe State, Malam Farouk Yarma (CEO Prudential Sports), Ismaila Uba Misilli (DG Press Affairs, Gombe State) and Halilu Mohammed Teli, were honoured in recognition of their outstanding contributions to sports development and the development of sports journalism in Nigeria. The trio were among selected individuals and journalists across the country recognised during the SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration held from October 29 to 31, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. While presenting these awards, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin described the award as a token of appreciation for the recipients’ contribution to sports development, professionalism, mentorship, and enduring service to the growth and integrity of sports journalism in Nigeria. The president further commended their commitment, mentorship, and passion which have inspired generations of journalists and enriched the nation’s sporting narrative. While Yarma have over the years, pl...

SWAN Kicks Off Diamond Jubilee Celebration with Lecture and Novelty Match in Abuja

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has officially commenced activities marking its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades of excellence and dedication to sports journalism in Nigeria. The association began its Diamond Jubilee celebrations on Thursday, October 30, 2025, with a high-profile lecture and panel discussion themed “The Power of Sports Media: Honouring its Legacy, Shaping the Future.” The event, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, drew prominent figures from the sports and media sectors. Declaring the celebration open, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, who also served as the Special Guest of Honour, commended SWAN for its consistent contribution to sports development in Nigeria. He urged journalists in Nigeria to remain factual and avoid sensationalism in their reportage, emphasising that the credibility of the media is vital to national unity and sports development. “If we succeed, we succeed together; a...

SWAN Sets to Honour Gombe State Sports Icons During its Diamond Jubilee Celebration

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has spotlighted Gombe state for producing three remarkable indigenes for honours for their contributions to both the grassroots development of sports and the promotion of excellence in sports journalism across the the state and beyond. The commendation celebrates the long-standing dedication of Malam Farouk Yarma, Ismaila Uba Misilli and Halilu Mohammed Teli, whose efforts have significantly uplifted the standard of sporting activities and media reportage in Gombe State and beyond. Malam Farouk Yarma, will be recognized for his immense contribution to sports development in Gombe state and beyond. As a pioneer Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Sports Commission and a one-time Commissioner of Youth Development, Malam Yarma has consistently championed the cause of local athletes and clubs. As the proprietor of the Nigerian Nationwide League One side FC Yarmalight, he has provided good platforms for talent discovery.  In the media ca...

Dankwambo Pledges Inclusive Leadership as President of Nigeria Chess Federation

The newly elected President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, PhD, OON (Talban Gombe), has officially assumed office with a strong commitment to transparency, professionalism, and inclusivity in promoting the game of chess across the country. In a statement issued after his formal inauguration by the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) Electoral Committee, Senator Dankwambo expressed gratitude to the delegates whose confidence and support contributed to his election. “This moment represents not only a personal honour but a collective milestone for Nigerian chess, this is a new chapter defined by visionary leadership, professionalism, and exemplary sportsmanship,” he said. The former Gombe State governor commended the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) for their role in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. “Our heartfelt thanks also go to the NSC and NOC for their strategic guidance and for ensuring ...