HANDBALL STAKEHOLDERS IN KOGI CALLS FOR COMPREHENSIVE LEADERSHIP REFORMS TO RESTORE SPORTS PROMINENCE
By Abubakar Suleman
The stakeholders outlined the achievements and setbacks of Kogi State handball since its inception in 1991, pointing to the need for immediate change to revive the state’s handball culture.
They noted that Kogi State’s handball history includes significant accomplishments from winning national underage tournaments in the 1990s to representing Nigeria in international competitions. Kogi’s under-15 boys’ team won gold in Italy in 1995, while local teams performed well in various national championships up until 2019.
However, the stakeholders noted a decline in participation and development initiatives, which they attribute to issues within the association’s leadership.
They revealed that since 2020, Kogi’s Confluence Stars, the state’s premier league team, has struggled to participate in the league due to financial constraints and a lack of support.
This situation according to them has led some players to seek opportunities with teams in other states, undermining team cohesion and player morale.
Additionally, the once-thriving Confluence Queens female team, which participated in national tournaments until 2020, has since disbanded”
Stakeholders attribute much of the sport’s recent decline to the leadership of MR. JIBRIN SAIDU, the current chairman of Kogi State Handball Association. They allege that Mr. Saidu’s decision to withdraw sponsorship, along with personal conflicts, has prevented Kogi from participating in critical national events.
This includes the under-12 and under-15 championships held in Sokoto over the past five years, where Kogi teams were notably absent.
In response to these challenges, the stakeholders called for the dissolution of the current board, citing a lack of effective leadership and commitment to the state’s handball development.
They propose the formation of a new board that will prioritize regional representation, involvement from former players, and individuals with strong sponsorship capabilities.
The stakeholders also endorsed Mr. Okpanachi Mark Ogah as the next chairman, describing him as a capable leader who they believe can restore Kogi State’s handball legacy within two years.
Speaking during the visit, His Royal Highness, Oba Luke Oludoyi from Isanlu who is one of the handball stakeholder appealed to the stakeholders in the Sports industry to give the necessary support in making handball sporting activities in the state a laudable venture for the overall growth and progress and of the State Sports Sector.
On his part, Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah said he is ready to further the ideals of the stakeholders and rebirth a new and active handball sport in Kogi State.
He assured that if given the mandate, Kogi State handball team will take its rightful place again as champion.
fathers name- chief j.o ogah, mothers name- Mrs Mary udienma Ogah, place of birbth- Idah , primary school- QIC nursery & primary school, year of graduation- 1990, secondary school -OMGS Idah, year of graduation – 1997, university- kogi state, year of graduation-2007, Nysc-2009 with federal min of justice Abuja, work experience:OMGS idah, Fed min of justice Abuja, Idrisima global services limited Abuja, kingnazzy nigeria limited Abuja and currently the Md/ceo anarock global services limited abuja.
Organisation membership- member of Abuja chamber of commerce, certify member united state institute for peace, member kogi state university Alumni ( director of social FCT chapter) , member kogi state handball veterans.
Hobbies- reading, traveling, dancing, handball.
Favourite sport-handball, organisation owned- Anarock global services ltd, barger consult ltd, Mark Ogah commercial advancement Nigeria limited, Age of hope organisation, The broom revolution ( an Audu abubakar campaign organisation).
award received: Humanitarian Award of Excellence from International Merit Time 2004. Grandpix international award for national development 2016, Silver award at the national under 12 handball championship in Kogi state 1995, Silver award at the national under 12 handball championship in funtua katsina state1993 among numerous award.
Articles written: What about the youths?, Godfatherism and kogi politics, the need for youth inclusion in politics and governance etc,
Contribution made to the society – provision of affordable housing for the Nigerian civil servants through the national housing funds, employment opportunities for youths, advocacy for good governance and inclusion in politics, entrepreneurial training for applicants and youths, payments of school fees, waec fees, jamb fees and secondary and tertiary education scholarship for students from poor background etc.
Position in the family- 7th in the family of 21 though from polygamous home,
organisation headed- Idrisima global services limited, Humanitarian volunteer project for Africa. Anarock global service limited, age of hope organisation, Goodluck development foundation.
