By Suleiman Yakubu

The Director General of the Federation of Youth Soccer Clubs (FEYSOC), Niger State chapter, Umar Batako Lapai, has commended the state government and the state football association for their sponsorship and organisation of the 2024 edition of the Governor’s Cup Football Competition.
During an interview with sports journalists covering the ongoing competition in Lapai Local Government Area, Umar Batako praised the commitment of the current administration under Governor Mohammed Umar Bago. He highlighted the administration’s unprecedented dedication to youth development through sports, particularly football.
He noted that the consecutive sponsorship of the Governor’s Cup by the current administration demonstrates its youth-friendly policies and deserves the support of all youths in the state. He also lauded the Niger State Football Association (NSFA) under the leadership of Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh for the high-quality organisation of the Lapai 2024 Governor’s Cup, calling it the best-organised edition in the competition’s history.
“I can confidently say that Lapai 2024 is the best Governor’s Cup organised so far in the state. This is evident from the participation of all 25 local governments, the support of the state government, and the attendance of stakeholders such as council chairmen, state assembly members, and commissioners,” he explained.
Umar Batako, who is also the founder of Lapai Football Academy and the secretary of the local organising committee, revealed that many hidden talents have been discovered during the ongoing Governor’s Cup, which is a significant boost for football development in the state. He added that fostering unity among youths is another key aim of the tournament.
He expressed happiness over the gradual return of the annual football fiesta’s glamour and believed that the next edition would be even more spectacular.
Meanwhile, the Governor’s Cup has reached the quarterfinal stage, with eight teams securing their spots. The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday. Lavun LG will face Mariga LG in the first match, followed by Kontagora vs. Rijau LGs, Gbako vs. host Lapai LG, and Katcha vs. Suleja LGs to wrap up the quarterfinals.  

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Local Organizing Committee Chairman of the 2024 Niger State Governor’s Cup, Alhaji Umar Makun Lapai, announced a significant increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lapai Local Government, attributing this economic boost to the ongoing Governor’s Cup in Lapai town.
During a media parley with sports journalists on Saturday, the LOC Chairman highlighted the vibrant business activities in Lapai over the past 11 days. He noted that hotel accommodations were fully booked, and local food vendors and petty traders were thriving due to the influx of football enthusiasts.
“The whole atmosphere in Lapai has been lively for the past eleven days. Business activities have been booming, and local businesses are thriving. People are taking advantage of the influx of football enthusiasts to earn a living. I wish we could extend this event for another two weeks to further boost economic activities. I assure you that the GDP of Lapai has grown significantly due to this event,” Alhaji Makun Lapai stated.
He expressed satisfaction with the smooth running of the tournament, crediting the hospitality of the Lapai people. Despite his lack of prior involvement in football, the task had introduced him to a new community within the sport.
Alhaji Makun Lapai also commended the participating teams for their sportsmanship and encouraged those still in the competition to adhere to the rules. He revealed that if not for the rotational hosting nature of the Governor’s Cup, Lapai would have bid to host the next two editions, given the local passion for football.
He extended his gratitude to the state government, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Niger State Football Association (NSFA) under Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh for granting Lapai the hosting rights.
“I want to, on behalf of the entire people of Lapai Local Government, appreciate the organizers of this competition, the Niger State FA, for this honor. Lapai has never hosted it before. You can see the enthusiasm in our people and how they are flocking to watch the matches daily. This is how happy we are,” he explained.
The tournament, aimed at uniting the youth and uncovering hidden talents, has given the people of Lapai a sense of belonging and has turned the town into a festive hub since its commencement. The LOC Chairman concluded by expressing pride in being associated with this lawful assembly.