All Kano Pillars players and their officials were given the sum of One Thousand Dollar ($1,000) each, as part of the preliminary gesture, by governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state, before the grand gesture slated to be disclosed during the upcoming Award Dinner Night few days to come.
As an appreciation to their victory he said “We are giving you this One Thousand Dollar ($1,000) to each and every player, with members of your technical committee. I think your number is forty (40). This is just one out of other gestures to come your way.”
He made this known when the club were at the Government House, Monday, for a thank you visit and official presentation of the Trophy to the governor, when he received them together with their supporters. And all players and their managers were later ushered into his office.
While acknowledging their skilful encounter which culminated into victory, governor Ganduje assured them of his continued support and commitment towards the development of the club and other sporting activities in the state.
As far as he is concerned, he said “Kano Pillars is the best football team in Nigeria. And all Nigerians know this and they understand this very well, when Pillars beats Niger Tornadoes. We have every reason to celebrate. Our players are disciplined, committed and extremely patriotic.”
It was his administration resolve to give good care of sporting activities that he decided to come up with new Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, adding that, “We are proud with our youth. We are proud of you Kano Pillars. This victory means a lot to us.”
A trophy which he said “…eluded our state for over 60 years, is now being won by this great team. We have every reason to rejoice with you our dear Pillars. We shall do everything possible for your development.”
He revealed that, the state government would host them in a special and befitting state Dinner, when he would unveil some surprises as a way of displaying his appreciation and that of the people of Kano state.
“When the final reached inconclusive stage I knew we were going to win the Trophy. As masters of inconclusivity we finally made it. And also I wasn’t very surprised when Pillars made it. Because we have a composition of highly skilful and talented players,” he said.
The Chairman of the Pillars Suraj Shu’aibu Yahaya commended the governor for all his untiring efforts in moving the club forward, assuring that, “My tenure as a Chairman of this great club would maintain discipline in the club. Yes our players are disciplined and they would remain so and improve upon.”
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Twitter @profseunoyediji
