Emmanuel Clement
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reinforced his administration’s commitment to sports development by donating a brand-new 32-seater bus to Confluence Queens FC of Lokoja, in a move aimed at strengthening women’s football in the state.
The bus, presented on behalf of the governor by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, is expected to enhance the team’s mobility, improve morale, and sharpen their competitive edge.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Sunday, Fanwo acknowledged the difficulties faced by football clubs nationwide and assured that the state government is taking deliberate steps to address the unique needs of Confluence Queens FC.
He noted that the administration remains passionate about repositioning sports for long-term growth and success, encouraging the players to stay focused despite past setbacks.
“We understand your challenges and are committed to solving them. Moments like relegation should inspire a stronger comeback. This team belongs at the top, and you must remain determined,” he said.
Fanwo also urged the players to maintain discipline and patience, assuring them that welfare issues—including improved accommodation and better remuneration—are being addressed to create a more supportive environment for peak performance.
He further charged the team to repay the government’s support with improved results in future competitions, noting that success on the pitch would attract even more backing.
“With this bus, you can travel confidently across the country. Let your performance reflect your renewed motivation. When the governor sees progress, it will encourage further support,” he added.
The bus keys were formally handed over to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Momoh Steven Azeez, who expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the intervention as timely and morale-boosting.
Club Chairman, Abdulmalic Isah, welcomed the development as long overdue and commended the government’s responsiveness, while appealing for increased funding and welfare support to help the team compete effectively at the national level.
Team Manager, Oluwatosin Ojo, also praised the initiative, highlighting it as a positive step toward promoting gender equality in sports. She called for the establishment of a proper team camp and extended similar appeals for support to Kogi United, the state’s male team.
The donation represents a key milestone in the Ododo administration’s broader drive to revitalise sports in Kogi State, with stakeholders expressing optimism that sustained investment will yield improved performance and national recognition.
