Sport Stakeholders To Gov Kefas: Revive FC Taraba, Save Jolly Nyame Stadium From Crumbling

Sports stakeholders in Taraba State have issued a passionate appeal to Governor Agbu Kefas to urgently revive the moribund FC Taraba and rescue the iconic Jolly Nyame Stadium from its current state of disrepair.

The call, led by the Acting Chairman of the League Management Committee (LMC), Baraya A. Usman, comes as concerns mount over the collapse of sports infrastructure in the state and the lost opportunities for youth empowerment, economic growth, and social harmony.

Usman appealed to the Taraba State Government to urgently revive the state-owned football club, FC Taraba, describing football as one of the most effective instruments for youth development, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.

Speaking in Jalingo during a Nigerian Premier League fixture between Best Planners and Super Stars, Usman congratulated Tarabans on the state's 34th anniversary but cautioned that the celebration must be matched with deliberate investment in sports. He stressed that bringing back FC Taraba would not only provide jobs and opportunities for young people but also rekindle the pride of the state in national and international football.

"I was once the secretary of FC Taraba, and I saw firsthand how players' salaries reduced unemployment and supported households. The revival of this club is more than just about football—it is about feeding families, giving hope to young talents, and creating a chain of opportunities that ripple through society," he said.

Usman highlighted the huge financial potential of football, noting that states with Premier League teams often attract sponsorships worth over ₦100 million. "Unfortunately, Taraba today does not even have a club competing at the local league level. This is a huge missed opportunity and a gap that urgently needs to be addressed," he lamented.

The LMC boss also commended the efforts of the Taraba State Football Association, under the leadership of Sanusi Mahmood, for working to coordinate both the Premier League and the Nationwide League. According to him, football has been a proven tool to bring together people of different backgrounds, breaking down religious, ethnic, and political barriers while keeping young people engaged positively.

"Football is more than just a game—it is a unifying force. We are bringing young people together, keeping them off the streets, and creating avenues for growth. Some of the players we supported are already playing abroad. One of them, who once played with Barade United despite being deaf, is now proudly representing Nigeria at the Disabled World Cup. These are the success stories that show what football can do if given the right support," he added.

Usman warned that poor leadership in sports management could derail progress. He urged Governor Kefas to appoint competent, experienced, and passionate individuals to oversee FC Taraba's revival. "If the right people are put in charge, FC Taraba will rise again. But if the wrong hands are given the responsibility, the state will only waste resources. Reviving FC Taraba will uplift communities, empower families, and bring pride to Nigeria at large," he cautioned.

Beyond football, sports stakeholders in Taraba have also raised concerns over the near-collapse of facilities, especially the 30,000-capacity Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo. Once rated the best in the Northeast, the stadium is now in a deplorable condition, overtaken by anthills, weeds, and even domestic animals. Dressing rooms and the hotel within the complex have fallen into disrepair, with termites and rodents invading the facility.

Stakeholders accused past administrations, especially that of Governor Darius Ishaku, of neglecting sports development. According to them, Ishaku's government "totally killed sports" in the state, leaving young people vulnerable to unemployment, drug abuse, and social vices. They argued that renewed investment in sports would drastically reduce these problems.

Governor Kefas had earlier promised to revive the disbanded male and female football teams as part of his broader vision for youth empowerment. However, sports enthusiasts and concerned citizens are increasingly worried about the slow pace of action despite his campaign assurances. Former President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Honour Sirawo, also urged the governor to prioritize sports, stressing that a functional Jolly Nyame Stadium could create jobs, attract competitions, and project Taraba positively to the rest of the country.

Experts believe that with a little facelift, the stadium could be restored to its former glory and transformed into a hub for economic and tourism development. President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, who visited the state in 2022, praised the facility but pointed out that the tartan track had expired, urging government intervention to enable the stadium host national competitions.

Taraba's Director of Sports, George Shitta, described the stadium as one of the most unique in the country because it houses football pitches, indoor sports halls, swimming pools, and athletics facilities all in one enclosure. He noted that the major challenge was lack of periodic maintenance and underutilization, advising the government to partner with corporate organizations, just as the Federal Government did with Dangote and Baba Ijebu in rehabilitating Abuja and Lagos stadiums.

Shitta emphasized that sports, if properly developed, could be a major tool for job creation and youth engagement. "If you have 500 athletes, the multiplier effect is enormous. Youths will channel their energy positively, reducing crime and unrest. Delta State leads in the National Sports Festival because they invest in their youths. Taraba has equally talented young people, and we must give them opportunities," he said.