The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr Isaac Danladi has assured His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule, that he would continue to support sports despite being in a different ministry.
Barr Danladi stated this when he received members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State chapter who paid him a congratulatory visit in Lafia.
The Commissioner noted that as the former Chairman of Nasarawa United Football Club and immediate past permanent Secretary at the ministry of youth and sports development, he would continue to support sports despite being in a different ministry.
According to him, he was working closely with the Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Hon Kwanta Yakubu and the management of Nasarawa United Football Club to promote sports in the state.
Danladi also highlighted the importance of environmental conservation, citing climate change and deforestation as major concerns.
“There is climate change. We are taking all necessary steps to mitigate its effects, ensuring that we reduce deforestation and flooding, among other issues.
” We also aim to utilise our natural reserves effectively, considering that Nasarawa State has lost 40% of its forestry to illegal logging. We must find ways to minimise this damage, ensuring our environment remains safe, conserved, preserved, and protected.
“We urge the youth to participate in environmental revitalisation efforts. We need your support, even as sports writers, to help spread awareness about our initiatives. By creating an enabling environment, we can foster a thriving sports sector.”
He, therefore expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the SWAN for visiting him, acknowledging the goodwill he has received since assuming office and commended SWAN in the State for their excellent work.
Earlier, Comrade Smah George, Chairman of the SWAN in the State, commended Barr Danladi for his contributions to sports development in the state.
George congratulated the commissioner on his appointment and lauded his continued support for sports in the state, particularly Nasarawa United Football Club.
He highlighted SWAN’s commitment to promoting sports in Nasarawa State, citing their contributions through sports reporting and events.
He also announced upcoming SWAN events, including a sports clinic for journalists in April, a Seven-A-Side football competition in June and the annual SWAN Week later in the year.
The SWAN chairman however revealed the association’s financial constraints but expressed optimism about potential collaborations with the state government .
George therefore assured Danladi that SWAN would continue to support sports development in the state, even as he recognised Danladi’s past support for SWAN during his tenure as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
He encouraged the commissioner to leverage his experience to promote environmental conservation and sports development in the state.
