The university Games held at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and was attended by 24 universities from five West African countries.
Delivering his address through the zonal director of the National Sports Commission Alhaji Abba Yola, the minister said the WAUG hockey and soccer championship had served as ground for discovering budding athletes who would in future represent their countries.
“On behalf of the minister, I hereby declared the games closed,” he said
Earlier before the kick off of the football finals, the representative of the minister of sports dazzled the capacity-filled mini stadium with a display of football skills. A rapturous applause erupted when the zonal director juggled the ball continuously at the centre of the pitch.
In his remark, the vice chancellor of BUK, Professor Attahiru Jega said the championship had come to an end after several days of intense competition by athletes from 24 universities from five countries in the West African Sub-Region.
“On behalf of the students, staff and management of Bayero University, I congratulate all the participants, the athletes, as well as the officials and leaders of delegations for a fantastic and memorable championship,” said Professor Jega.
The VC stated further that they had no doubt that the objective of fostering unity amongst the youth in the universities across the sub-region had been advanced. “Our hope is that lasting friendships and relationships may have commenced from this games, which would go a long way in strengthening unity and peaceful co-existence in our sub-region,” he said.
While expressing the university’s gratitude to the executive council of WAUG for giving BUK the opportunity to host the games, he thanked individuals, public and private sector organizations and state governments for their supports.
He therefore revealed that their hosting of the championship had been an opportunity for them to partner with many stakeholders in mutually beneficial relationship targeted at promoting sports development.
Jega then wished all the participants journey mercies. “We wish you safe return to your respective destinations, and we look forward to your visiting us again, hopefully soon,” the VC finally said.