Football Unites Taraba and Adamawa as Youth Agency Team, Adamawa United Share Spoils in Jalingo

By Nformi Desmond Tumi

Football took centre stage in Jalingo on Sunday as Adamawa United and the Taraba State Youth Agency Team met in a novelty match at the Jolly Nyame Stadium.

The encounter provided a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents while promoting friendship, youth development and stronger sporting ties between Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State.

Speaking during the event, Chairman of the Taraba State Sports Commission, Coach Bulus Husseini, expressed delight over the initiative.

He said sports would continue to receive attention in Taraba State and highlighted Governor Agbu Kefas’ commitment to youth development, particularly through sports.

Coach Husseini also commended the Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Prince Gara Soyongha Nonga, for supporting initiatives that create opportunities for young people.

The Secretary of the Sports Commission, Mr. Alex Maiangwa, described Taraba youths as highly talented.

He said more opportunities such as the novelty match would help young footballers develop their skills, gain exposure and take their talents to higher levels.

Coordinator of the Jalingo Champions League Project, Mr. Jacob Hakuri Tizhe, said the initiative goes beyond football.

He explained that the match was also designed to strengthen youth collaboration, friendship and sporting relationships between Taraba and its neighbouring states.

He added that the positive response to the initiative showed the growing interest in using sports to bring young people together and create meaningful opportunities.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Hon. Bonwilliams Emmanuel, called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to further develop sports in Taraba.

He noted that the state is blessed with talented young people and stressed the importance of creating platforms where their abilities can be discovered, nurtured and showcased.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts by officials of Adamawa United to officials of the Taraba State Sports Commission, symbolising friendship, goodwill and stronger sporting ties between the two states.

The match ended in a draw, with both teams displaying skill, enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

Held courtesy of Hon. Prince Gara Soyongha Nonga, Chairman, Taraba State Youth Development Agency, the encounter further demonstrated the power of football to promote youth development, friendship and unity.

Today’s match has been concluded, while details of subsequent matches will be communicated as the activities continue.

"This Is Only the Beginning" — SGS Kataps as Dr. Agbu Kefas Northeast Tennis Championship Uncovers New Tennis Talents

By Nformi Desmond

The Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, High Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, says the maiden Dr. Agbu Kefas Northeast Tennis Championship marks the beginning of a sustained effort to discover and develop young tennis talents across the Northeast.

Speaking at the grand finale of the championship held on Thursday at the Tennis Court of the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo, Kataps said the region is blessed with abundant sporting talents that require sustained support, exposure and investment to compete at higher levels.

He commended the Local Organising Committee for the successful organisation of the tournament and called on governments, corporate organisations and sports stakeholders to invest more in grassroots sports development.

According to him, the championship is designed to provide young athletes with opportunities to sharpen their skills, gain competitive experience and prepare for national and international competitions.

Kataps dedicated the tournament to the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, in recognition of the administration's commitment to youth development and sports.

Representing the Vice President of the Nigerian Tennis Federation, Alhaji Yusuf Dati commended Governor Kefas for creating a peaceful environment that enables young people to develop their talents. He described the championship as a strategic investment capable of producing future national and international tennis stars.

Representing Governor Kefas, Rt. Hon. Kizito J. Bonzena applauded the SGS for initiating the championship and urged public and private stakeholders to support programmes that positively engage young people through sports.

The championship featured Under-12, Under-14 and Under-17 events, attracting young players from Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe States. Beyond the competition, the tournament promoted unity, friendship and healthy rivalry among participants from across the region.

The grand finale attracted members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, officials of the Nigerian Tennis Federation, sports administrators, political stakeholders, media practitioners and tennis enthusiasts.

The National Sports Commission Northeast also honoured Governor Agbu Kefas, High Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii and other distinguished personalities for their contributions to sports development.

Among the champions were Divine Denis of Adamawa (Under-17 Boys), Yaman Philip Noku of Adamawa (Under-17 Girls), James A. Noku of Taraba (Under-14 Boys), Josephine Musa of Taraba (Under-14 Girls) and Rahila James of Taraba (Under-12 Girls).

The successful maiden edition has raised expectations that the championship will become an annual platform for discovering, nurturing and producing the next generation of tennis talents from the Northeast for Nigeria and beyond.