The Bauchi State Government has inaugurated a special committee tasked with overseeing the transformation of the state sports council into a fully operational sports commission.

The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Adamu Gabarin, who also serves as the chairman, inaugurated the committee on Wednesday in Bauchi.

The commissioner described the initiative as a landmark moment in the modernisation of sports administration in the state.

According to him, the decision to upgrade the existing council into a commission is rooted in the need to boost efficiency in sports governance, attract private sector investment, and revitalise grassroots sports development.

He emphasised that the proposed sports commission will serve as a strategic hub for the discovery and nurturing of sporting talents.

Mr Gabarin also addressed critical issues such as athletes’ welfare, funding for sporting activities, and capacity building for coaches and other key stakeholders.

He stressed that the project aligned with the vision of Governor Bala Mohammed, who has remained committed to youth empowerment and the promotion of sports excellence as a driver of social and economic development in the state.

“The sports commission, when fully established, will not only strengthen the institutional framework for sports management but will also position Bauchi as a major destination for sporting events in Nigeria,” the commissioner added.

He said the special committee comprised professionals from diverse backgrounds, including sports administration, finance, law, and community development.

Mr Gabarin explained that the committee had been given a mandate to design a comprehensive framework to guide the full transition process, noting that the committee was expected to submit its report within four weeks.

A stakeholder, Waziri Hamma, lauded the development, expressing optimism that it would usher in a new era of sports growth and youth engagement in the state.

(NAN)