From Abel Leonard, Lafia

Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, on Monday, hosted a delegation of Spanish football scouts and managers at the Government House, Lafia.

The delegation led by Gladys Stephens, disclosed that they were in Nasarawa State to hunt for football talents and seek concrete partnership with the state government in football and human resource development.

Gladys explained thus: “We are here at the instance of Salisu Galadima Basira for a talent hunt programme as well as offer opportunity to grassroots footballers to actualize their dreams.

“Beyond this, we are proposing to establish a Football Academy in Nasarawa State where the state government will partner with major La Liga clubs in Spain to develop football and coaches.

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“Talents discovered and developed through the academy will be sent to clubs in Spain and Europe for further development and subsequent sale, while parts of the proceeds will come to the state government. “These, among others, will go a long way in creating jobs and taking youth of the state off the streets and other social vices. It will also add to the revenue drive of the State.”

She stated that a Memorandum of Understanding would be signed between Real Betis and the Nasarawa State government in Spain, to formalise the partnership.

She further disclosed that Nasarawa State is the first state to enjoy the opportunity, stressing that it was in view of the premium the Sule administration places on sports development and youth empowerment.

In his remarks, Governor Sule, thanked the facilitator of the programme, Salisu Galadima (Basira) and the delegation for bringing such a laudable project to the State.