Umaru Tanko Al-Makura: Footprints of a sports-loving Governor News

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Umaru Tanko Al-Makura: Footprints of a sports-loving Governor

By Daily Sports on November 6, 2017

Umaru Tanko Al-Makura was born in August 1952. He was a businessman and has been the Governor of Nasarawa State since April 26, 2011, on the platform of All Progressives Congress. He was re-elected for a second term on April 11, 2015.

It would be recalled that Governor TankoAl-makura was born in Lafia, Nasarawa State and is member of the Gwandara ethnic Group. He attended Dunama Primary School, Lafia (1959–1966), Keffi Teacher’s College (1967–1971) and then Government Teachers College of Education, Uyo (1972–75). For a short period in 1975 he was an Assistant Producer at the Broadcasting Corporation of Northern Nigeria. He then went to Ahmadu Bello University , Zaria (1975–1978), graduating with a Bachelor of Education Degree. For his National Youth Service he was a teacher at the Government College, Makurdi.

In 1978 he formed Almakura Nigeria Limited, importing and servicing agricultural and industrial machinery. Later he ventured into real estate and property development as owner and chairman of Ta'al Nigeria Limited, with properties in Abuja , Lagos , Kano and Washington DC , United States. He owns the Ta'al Lake Resort, Abuja and the Ta'al Conference Hotel, Lafia.The above is the abridged curriculum vitae of the Governor who has left a print on the sands of time. He has been able to touch the lives of his people from all facets knowing fully well that power is from the people.

In sports where youths and young ones hold sway, Governor Al Makura has staked all to ensure they are well catered for which has obviously steadied the tided of thing in the state leaving it in relative peace anchored on good governance. In the aspect of sports which is where this write up would restrict itself, he has done excellently well despite the limited resources at the disposal of his state. He has listened well to the sportsmen and women of the state and tried to upgrade in practical terms, the sports infrastructures in the state all in his bid to encourage and keep the youths and young ones who took to sports business.

Needless to emphasize here that his level of interest and passion for sportsmen and women in the state could be said to be simply dripping. His appetite to reward excellence has also remained upbeat and worthy of emulation to others. One must also say without any prejudice that his eye for excellence in sports has brought his state to national and international news. He is being envied by his counterparts who want to be in his shoes. His quest to motivate athletes has kept the spirit of the Solid Miners in high spirit whenever they compete in nationally because they know Al-Makura will be there to say well-done boys/girls. As some of the athletes of the state that spoke to Daily Sports shortly after the finals of the recently concluded Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) that the Governor would remain the reason they played as if their lives depended on the Super Four Champ.

It remained against the above inflammable background therefore that Governor Tanko Al-Makura has left nothing to chance to ensure he rewards all conquering sportsmen and women that have done the state proud whether at national or international levels. The athletes said the Governor owes nobody any promise he has made before, during after any sporting event. He keeps his promises as he does not play politics with peoples’ lives and means of livelihood it was further gathered. His spirit of sportsmanship has continued to embrace that of fair play which is the root of it all.

I have met Governor Al-Makura thrice in sports circle. Out of the three times, I have sat down and listened to him talk sports with the welfare of athletes being his focal point. In one of such assignments, he thoroughly emphasised his dream to see sporting arena fitted with infrastructures that would enable athletes make use of the kind of sports equipment they require for training and for optimal performance.

After listening to Governor Al-Makura and his dreams of a first rate sporting facilities for his people, I got the impression that if this man had enough resources, he would move mountains and place his state on higher ground as far as first class sporting facilities are concerned. He made it with clear heart and mind and the sincerity of purpose and honesty was written all over him.

Let me also say that he has an able apostle in his able Deputy Governor, Salas Agara whose track records are woven around sports. Nasarawa State is working ensuring that her youths that took to sports are well encouraged while others that are not doing sports are adequately provided for, in order to keep them out of social vices. Most Nigerian politicans dont meet the expectations of their people. Just a few of them like Tanko Al-Makura, Salas Agara, Gov. Gaduje of Kano, Gov. Shittima of Borno State, Gov. Wike of Rivers etc have kept faith with their subjects despite the harsh economic conditions.

Governor Al-Makura not only thumbed up his Amazons for job well done. Read this and place him where your conscience pleases:

Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura has commended Nasarawa Amazons for winning the Nigerian Women’s Professional League Super 4.

The Nasarawa State-owned club defeated Delta Queens 1-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin on Friday to win the title.

Al-Makura, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ahmed Tukur, expressed his delight at the victory. The Governor, who promised to assist the team to enable them to win more titles, urged the management and coaching staff of the club to plan and work towards future engagements.

The Deputy Governor of the State, Salas Ali-Agara, who led the state government delegation to cheer on the Amazons to victory in Benin, praised the team for making the state proud.

He assured the team that the state would reward them for their effort. Ali-Agara added that the state government would host the team in Lafia.

The speaker of the state House of Assembly, Ibrahim Abdullahi, also commended the Amazons for winning the NWPL title.

Abdullahi, in a statement by his spokesman, JibrinGwamna, assured the team of the lawmakers’ support. The above is our traditional way of refreshing your memory before the real kernel of the fact as you read this action that has taken place in Nasarawa State by Governor Tanko AL- Makura on October 25, 2017 in Lafia….. e..n…j..o..y!

Al-Makura donates N10 million to victorious Nasarawa Amazons FC

Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has donated N10 million to Lafia-based Nasarawa Amazons FC for clinching the 2016/2017 Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL) title.

The Governor also ordered the prompt payment of the players sign-on fees worth N38 million.

Mr. Al-Makura made the donation at a brief ceremony held for the management and players of the club at the Government House in Lafia on Wednesday.

He said the team’s triumph was worth more than “silver and gold’’ and the only way show gratitude which could not be enough for their efforts was to recognise and celebrate them.

“It is with the greatest delight that I, on behalf of the government and people of Nasarawa State, welcome our victorious Amazons home.

“What these wonderful queens have done is worth more than silver or gold.

“Today is one of the golden days of Nasarawa State because these great daughters of ours have done the state proud by winning the NWFL title.

“This makes me proud and I am appreciating them with a donation of N10 million,’’ he said.

Mr. Al-Makura, who praised the Amazons for their feat, assured them that between Wednesday and Friday, their total sign-on fees worth N38 million would paid as a sign of the government’s commitment to their welfare.

“You are the single most exalted team among ladies in the country. I believe you are priceless.

“What you have done for Nasarawa State cannot be quantified. We have already started reviewing your emoluments so that you can access them compared with other states.

“Also, I have already signed the N38 million documents for your sign-on fees. Today is Wednesday. I want to assure you that by Friday, your sign-on fees will be paid to you,” he added.

The Governor also revealed that the government had arranged for all necessary vehicles meant for the transportation and use by Nasarawa Amazons and Nasarawa United FC to be released to both teams on Wednesday.

The Amazons defeated Delta Queens to emerge champions of the 2017 women's topflight league Super Four tournament played in Benin

Nasarawa Amazons have been crowned champions of the 2017 Nigeria Women Premier League after defeating Delta Queens 1-0 at the Super Four tournament held in Benin.

The Amazons had defeated Bayelsa Queens 1-0, holders Rivers Angels 2-1 and drew 2-2 with Delta Queens in the round-robin games before edging the Kwale based side to the league crown.

Amarachi Okoronkwo's 42nd minute diving header handed the Christopher Danjuma's ladies their second trophy in history after their first in 2013.

Joy Jegede had the first chance to put the Delta side in front but her effort from the free kick spot was saved by Chioma Nwankwo in the 15th minute.

In the 17th minute, Nasarawa came close when Esther Victor set up AdejokeEjalonibu, who shot from 25 yards but her attempt was easily taken by goalkeeper Rita Akarekor.

Jegede yet secured another free kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the Nasarawa's box but her low drive was calmly saved by goalkeeper Nwankwo.

In the 42nd minute, Anam Imo sent in a powerful cross into the area and Okoronkwo wasted no time to head home from close range to put the Lafia side in front.

On the return from recess, Chinyere Igboamalu almost doubled Nasarawa lead after she sneaked into the 18-yard box but failed to make her chance count in the 47th minute.

In the 72nd minute, Maryann Ezenagu forced her way past the Nasarawa's defense but her effort was easily saved by substitute goalkeeper UchennaChukwu.

In the last 10 minutes, Delta increasingly pressed hard to find a leveler through Ijeoma Obi and substitute Jennifer Ajuyah but Nasarawa held on to snatch victory.

The win means Nasarawa Amazons are champions, carting away the trophy and 3.5 million naira cash prize, while runners-up Delta Queens and third place winners Bayelsa got 2.5 and 1.5 million naira respectively.

“What you and Nasarawa United are doing is very encouraging and we will continue to play our part by ensuring that your welfare is always taken care of.

“I want to also inform you that we have also created a practicing pitch for your training just behind the government house,’’ he said.

He, however, urged the players to be patient with the government with regards to their emoluments compared to female footballers in Europe and other parts of the world. Al-Makura assured them that government was doing its best to develop sports to the level it should be.

Thanking the Governor, AuduNuhu, the club’s Chairman, expressed gratitude to the government for its support and assured that the team would work harder to ensure that it retained the title next season and win the Aiteo Challenge Cup also.

“I cannot say we have ever gone out without our allowances and I cannot also say that any other club enjoys the type of support we get from our state government.

“We are indeed very grateful for all the support you have given the team.We must thank you sir for the approval given for the prompt payment of the players’ sign-on fees.This is just the beginning of the laurels we are going to bring to the state. We will continue to do our best so that whatever efforts you make is seen,’’ he said.

Earlier, the team’s Captain, Mariam Ibrahim said: “I want to say a big thank you to our daddy, the executive governor of Nasarawa State for your support because without the support, we may not have achieved this goal.He has been very supportive and I pray God continues to protect him,”

There is nothing more to add than that the Governor has shown his deep passion and interest to encourage the girls to even more urging others that have the talent to put such into such full time endeavour because hard work still pays. He has been a leading light of encouragement one Nasarawa Amazons players who pleaded her name be kept off print told Daily Sports shortly after the dripping finals.

It is bravo to Governor Tanko Al-Makura, his able Deputy Salas Ali-Agara, club Chair, Audu Nuhu, sports loving philanthropists in the state and sundry, the management and players of the victorious Amazons from Nasarawa State. Dailysportsng.com through this page delayed its own celebration from the state number one man thus far and it is our own little way to say well done girls as you keep moving on ie tap on the game and bring more laurels for yourselves, Gov. Al- Makura who has shown a reliable ally and to the entire good people of the Solid Mining State for her unflinching support all these years. Bravoooo! Girls! Let discussion continue on these platforms WhatsAPP, Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to keep on shooting hard, till next week!

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 6, 2017