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Isah Wakili has officially assumed office as the new Commissioner for Sports Development in Niger State, taking over the affairs of the ministry from Hon. Jacob Baba Yisa, who had been overseeing the portfolio alongside his duties as Commissioner for Youth and Social Development.

The formal handover ceremony was held at the Niger State Ministry of Sports Development in Minna, with the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nuhu Garba Ngaski, and members of the ministry’s top management team in attendance.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ngaski commended the outgoing commissioner for his contributions to the ministry during the period he supervised its affairs.

The Permanent Secretary acknowledged Baba Yisa’s cooperation, commitment and support, noting that his tenure was characterised by a positive working relationship with the ministry’s management and staff.

In his response, Baba Yisa expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary and members of staff for their support and cooperation throughout his time overseeing the ministry.

He described the experience as an opportunity to learn and contribute to sports development in the state, while noting that the ministry recorded notable progress during the period.

The former supervising commissioner expressed confidence in Wakili’s ability to build on the achievements already recorded and further strengthen sports development across Niger State.

Taking over the ministry, Wakili pledged to work closely with management, staff and other stakeholders to deliver on the administration’s objectives for the sports sector.

The new commissioner stressed the importance of sports beyond competition, describing it as a strategic tool for youth development, social engagement, talent discovery and the promotion of Niger State.

Wakili called for the cooperation and support of ministry officials, sports associations, athletes, coaches and other stakeholders as he begins his tenure.

He assured the gathering that he would bring his experience, energy and commitment to bear on the assignment while fostering an environment capable of supporting sustainable growth across the state’s sporting ecosystem.

The commissioner also urged ministry personnel to remain focused, united and committed to their responsibilities, stressing that collective effort would be crucial to achieving meaningful results.

Wakili said the ministry must continue to align its programmes and activities with the broader development objectives of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s administration under the New Niger Agenda.

His assumption of office is expected to usher in a new phase of sports administration in the state, with focus likely to centre on talent development, youth engagement, improved sporting infrastructure and greater opportunities for athletes to compete at national and international levels.

The new commissioner will now work with the ministry’s management and the wider sporting community to translate the administration’s vision for sports development into practical programmes and sustainable outcomes.