In their bid to support the fight against Covid-19, the Kebbi Beach Soccer Association through its Foundation has set up a series of initiatives to support different stakeholders from the Kebbi State Government, Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Kebbi State Football Association and also local communities in the State.
The delegation’s first point of call was a visit to their medical partner (Medicaid Cancer Foundation) by a few of its members under the stewardship of their General Secretary, Mr Abdullahi Yahaya. They were warmly received by the Founder/CEO of the Foundation, Her Excellency Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu in the Government House, Birnin Kebbi to donate health essentials including hand Sanitizers and soaps.
In accepting the donations, the First Lady of Kebbi State commended the efforts of Nigerians led by the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rtd General Muhammadu Buhari GCFR; the State Governors including Kebbi State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for their able response to this pandemic which has affected every facet of our lives. She also acknowledged the unfortunate suspension of the Kebbi Beach Soccer Sallah Tournament this year, but pledged to continue supporting Kebbi Beach Soccer, especially in their efforts to reach out to host communities with palliatives during these trying times.
She further advised that members of Kebbi Beach Soccer continue being model citizens and ambassadors of Kebbi State both locally and Internationally. She said with all sense of purpose that “Kebbi State’s history will not be complete without acknowledging the achievements of Kebbi Beach Soccer”. Dr Zainab also presented them a gift of a historic book showcasing the Kebbi Culture which featured Kebbi Beach Soccer’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming an International Beach Soccer team.
The team delegation also in partnership with the Kebbi State Ministry of Youth and Sports donated health items to the State’s Covid-19 Task Force Committee which was graciously received by the Chairman of the Task Force, Alhaji Ja’afaru Muhammad Zuru (Honourable Commissioner of Health). He expressed his appreciation of the initiative to support the State Government’s efforts in curtailing the Covid-19 pandemic. He also lauded the achievements of Kebbi Beach Soccer in the State and Nigeria as a whole.
The team’s final call was to the Kebbi State Football Association (KBFA) office in Birnin Kebbi to make further donations. On hand to receive the items was non other than the Chairman Kebbi State FA, Honourable Abubakar Chika Ladan who doubles as the State’s Commissioner of Works and Transport. He expressed special gratitude for the concern showed and encouraged the Kebbi Beach Soccer Association to continue working together with the State FA while praying for everyone to get through the pandemic unharmed.
In his remark also the Chairman Kebbi Beach Soccer, Mr Mahmud Hadejia who was unavoidably absent commended the delegation for their efforts and promised that the Foundation will continue to give their support to help curtail the pandemic. The Chairman also appreciated the praises from all their esteemed stakeholders and look forward to the future partnerships and support for a better society. He welcomed with open arms the request by the Medicaid Cancer Foundation to partner with Kebbi Beach Soccer Foundation to support the host communities with paliatives and sensitization activities. The Chairman said the Association and the Beach Soccer Club would not have been what it is today without support from all stakeholders and he is glad the donations are being appreciated. Mr Hadejia further said “that during these hard times, we had to look inward and appreciate our players and officials also by aiding them with palliatives to help them stay safe”. He finally prayed to almighty God to bring an end to this pandemic and hoped lives are returned back to normal.