GOVERNOR MUTFWANG COMMISSIONS ASR AFRICA MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS COMPLEX AT UNIJOS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

The Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to youth and sports development, describing sports as a vital instrument for unity, discipline, and character building.

Governor Mutfwang stated this during the commissioning of the ASR Africa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, comprising basketball and tennis courts, at the University of Jos. The facility was constructed through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa (ASR Africa) Tertiary Education Grant Scheme.

Represented by his Deputy, Her Excellency Ngo Josephine Piyo, the Governor commended the Abdul Samad Rabiu Foundation for its generous support, describing the project as a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and empowering young people across Nigeria.

“We are deeply grateful to the Abdul Samad Rabiu Foundation for this remarkable gesture. This sports complex will serve as a breeding ground for future sports stars, a place where talents will be nurtured and dreams realized,” the Governor said. He added that his administration places a high premium on youth and sports development, recognizing the transformative power of sports in fostering unity, discipline, and social cohesion among young people.

Governor Mutfwang further assured that the Plateau State Government will provide the necessary support for the successful hosting of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), which the University is set to host. He commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, describing him as a visionary leader whose dedication has significantly enhanced the University’s profile.

Speaking on behalf of ASR Africa’s founder, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubong Udoh, explained that the Foundation dedicates $100 million annually to interventions in health, education, and social development, with half of that amount invested in Nigeria.

Dr. Udoh Added that ASR Africa currently has 86 projects across Nigeria and 16 in three African countries. He emphasized that this sports complex is not just about infrastructure but about creating a safe and empowering space where young people can dream, grow, and excel, adding that sports teaches resilience, teamwork, and discipline, values essential for personal and national development.

Dr. Udoh commended the University management for its proactive engagement and visionary leadership, noting that the institution’s commitment to excellence made it “impossible for ASR Africa to ignore the University of Jos.”

In his remarks, Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, expressed profound appreciation to ASR Africa for supporting the University’s vision of building world-class sports facilities. He explained that the initiative began in 2023 after the University won the bid to host the NUGA Games, noting that the design had been completed before seeking external partnership. Prof. Ishaya added that the vision of University of Jos goes beyond infrastructure; it is about developing our youth, and Plateau State’s unique weather and altitude provides the perfect environment for nurturing high-performance athletes.

He thanked the Abdul Samad Rabiu Foundation, the Plateau State Government, and other partners for their continued support, while appealing for additional assistance to complete the University’s Olympic-sized swimming pool, which he noted would be the only one of its kind in Northern Nigeria-apart from the one in Abuja.

Project Consultant Dr. Umar Audu described the facility as a twin sports court, comprising basketball and tennis courts, equipped with a covered spectator stand accommodating over 120 people, male and female changing rooms, conveniences, and solar-powered floodlights.

Dr. Audu stated that the project is of international standard, sustainable, modern, and designed to make the hosting of the NUGA Games a success, he commended ASR Africa and the University management for their synergy and commitment to success.

The Managing Director of Constyle Services Limited, Architect Saifudeen Aliyu, an alumnus of the University, expressed pride in contributing to his alma mater’s development. Despite challenges during construction, he said, the project was executed with passion, commitment and precision. The University of Jos deserves nothing less than excellence, he said, thanking ASR Africa for the opportunity to deliver a facility of global repute.

Earlier, in a welcome address, Professor Ishaya Pam, Chairman of the UNIJOS Sports Committee, described the commissioning as the fulfillment of the University’s vision to become a hub of sports and educational excellence. He stated that; today marks the realization of the Vice-Chancellor’s vision to transform the University into a centre of sports and academic distinction and this partnership with ASR Africa is a shining example of what visionary leadership and collaboration can achieve.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, and the President of the UNIJOS Students’ Union Government (SUG), Comrade Jane Pwajok, among others. They all congratulated the University of Jos and commended the Abdul Samad Rabiu Foundation for its generous contribution to youth and sports development in University of Jos, Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

Signed

Mr. Emmanuel Madugu

Deputy Registar (Information and Publications)

For: Registar