By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
In a major boost to grassroots football development in Kano State, the Director General of the National Productivity Centre of Nigeria, Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi, has donated ₦8 million to support local coaches and football veterans.
The pledge, announced on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during a courtesy visit by a delegation of Kano football veterans led by Umar Hussain (popularly known as Umar Serious), includes ₦6 million dedicated to the registration of CAF A Licence for three Kano-based coaches, and ₦2 million earmarked for the welfare of veterans and families of deceased members of the football community.
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The delegation, which visited in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), Kano State Chapter, presented a formal request for financial assistance to help coaches meet the costly requirements of the CAF A Licence – a critical certification for professional coaching.
Responding swiftly, Dr. Dan’Agundi approved the grant of ₦6 million to offset a significant portion of the registration fees. Under the arrangement, the three beneficiary coaches will jointly contribute the remaining ₦3 million, with each coach paying ₦1 million to complete the licensing process.
Additionally, the DG donated ₦2 million to support veteran footballers and families of deceased members, acknowledging their contributions to the sport. He also pledged to facilitate, through appropriate official channels, the delegation’s request for a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Barrister Ibrahim Gwadabe, Chairman of NFCA Kano Chapter, described the gesture as “timely and unprecedented.”
“This intervention will ease the financial burden on our coaches and enable them to upgrade their qualifications. It will directly enhance youth development through football in Kano and beyond,” Gwadabe said.
Football stakeholders in the state lauded the donation, noting that it underscores Dr. Dan’Agundi’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development at the grassroots level. They emphasized that investment in coaching education is critical to improving the standard of the game and producing players capable of competing nationally and internationally.
The delegation concluded the visit with prayers for Dr. Dan’Agundi, asking for divine rewards, sound health, protection, and continued wisdom in his service to humanity. They described him as a “true patriot” whose support for sports continues to inspire hope among young people in Kano State.
