TheCable

Sunday Dare, minister of youth and sports development, has been turbaned as Sarkin Wasanni (king/leader of games) by Umar Farouk Umar, the Emir of Daura.

The event, which held at the Emir’s palace in Daura, Katsina on Thursday, attracted dignitaries that include top government functionaries, politicians, the diplomatic community and the organised private sector.

It is understood that the title is in recognition of the achievements and contributions of the minister to nation-building through grassroots sports development.

“I feel so elated to be honoured by the Katsina Emirate with this prestigious title. It is at the same time a challenge for me to live up to the expectations of the Emir and the entire Emirate,” Dare said.

The Sarkin Wasanni, who has received numerous awards in Nigerian and beyond in grassroots sports and youth development, has also built and sustained relationships across the country, while his core achievement has been recorded in the provision of new sports facilities and rehabilitation of the dilapidated ones, among which is the Daura township stadium in Katsina state.

The Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja was rehabilitated last year through the Adopt a Pitch initiative in collaboration with the Dangote Group while the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos is also at advanced stage of rehabilitation.