Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has feted the Nigerian International, Zaidu Sanusi, an indigene of the state who plays with FC Porto.
Bagudu, who hosted Zaidu Sanusi at Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, extolled his achievements in the global football arena.
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He said: “He is bringing good name to Kebbi State in particular, as well as Nigeria, in general. He is even more popular than the Kebbi State Governor.
“And we are very pleased about that so that you motivate the younger ones to be like you .
“Because of you, we are all today supporters of FC Porto and i am today very honored to receive you .”
According to Bagudu, the sterling achievements of Zaidu Sanusi were also a testament to the recognition of what God has bestowed on the state.
The Kebbi State Governor also said that, playing internationally was a measure of competition.
“That is what we want our younger ones to aim at .God has given us one among others who is leading the way .
“We must be grateful to the Almighty Allah . I am fervently praying that you will serve as a motivator to other million youths here in Kebbi and other parts of Nigeria .
“Your story is legendary . Anytime FC Porto is playing i used to send a lot of messages to many people that our team is playing, please watch,” Bagudu, averred.
The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum also described sports as a veritable tool of national and international development, unity and a key economic value adder.
He said that sports bring honour to the state and Nigeria, just like music and entertainment do, adding, ” often, sportsmen are more popular than Governors and Presidents.”
Bagudu challenged youths in the state to avail themselves of Zaidu’s presence , as well as ask questions , saying, ” discipline, hard work and competitiveness took him to the enivaible position he is now.”
Bagudu also reeled out the various achievements of his administration in the sports sector and expressed delight that, the state was now the better for it, locally and internationally, including in beach soccer where it is more famous.
Earlier, the international FC Porto player, Zaidu Sanusi expressed deep appreciation to the governor for hosting him .
He also commended governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for his unrelenting efforts in developing the game of football in the state.
“I m happy that you proved to be the most outstanding governor of the state that has been giving youths necessary impetus to excel in sports particularly football ‘, he averred.
Sanusi then appealed to Governor Bagudu to continue to give his unwaivering support to football development in the state by providing standard stadium and other sports facilities inorder to attract youths and clubs come to Kebbi for the round leather game .
Highlights of the visit was the presentation of Jersey by Zaidu Sanusi to Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
