Ahmad Hamisu Gwale
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, has been appointed Grand Patron of the Presidential Youth Unity Cup (PYUC) Tournament.
The Independent Mirror reports that Ganduje received the appointment on Tuesday in his Abuja residence when a delegation of the tournament, led by its Grand Ambassador and former Nigerian international footballer, Samson Siasia, paid him a visit.
Siasia formally presented Ganduje with the appointment letter and a souvenir during the meeting.
Welcoming the delegation, Ganduje expressed delight over the initiative and described the members of the tournament delegation as important stakeholders, particularly in view of his new role as Director of Stakeholders Mobilisation for the forthcoming 2027 presidential election.
Ganduje said the tournament could serve as an important platform for youth engagement, mobilisation and national integration, particularly because of its proposed reach across the country.
“I believe that this Presidential Youth Unity Cup Tournament will assist greatly in mobilising our youths for the forthcoming 2027 elections, both at the presidential and state levels,” he said.
He also linked the initiative to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that sports could contribute to addressing some of the administration’s priorities, including poverty reduction, economic empowerment, national integration and security.
According to him, the tournament could create opportunities for unemployed young people to participate in sports, generate income and develop skills that could contribute to poverty reduction.
Ganduje particularly welcomed the proposed participation of youths from the 774 local government areas, describing it as an opportunity to bring Nigerians from different backgrounds together.
He said the involvement of young people from the six geopolitical zones could promote friendship, understanding and a stronger sense of national identity.
“More importantly, the proposed competition will involve all 774 local government areas in the country. This is a powerful way of bringing Nigerians together, promoting unity, understanding, friendship, and national integration.”
The former APC chairman also praised Siasia, recalling the excitement generated by the former Super Eagles forward and other Nigerian footballers during international competitions.
He said Siasia’s contribution to Nigerian football had made his name synonymous with the sport both nationally and internationally.
Ganduje thanked the delegation for considering him for the role of Grand Patron and assured the organisers of his readiness to support and promote the tournament.
Earlier, Siasia briefed Ganduje on preparations for the forthcoming matches and the objectives of the tournament, which include youth development, national unity, sportsmanship and the discovery of emerging football talents across Nigeria.
The organisers expressed confidence that Ganduje’s involvement would strengthen the tournament and advance its vision of using football as a platform for youth empowerment and national unity.
