January 02, (THEWILL) – The Fives Federation of Nigeria (FFN) has hosted its first edition of the Inter-States Fives National Unity Championship 2024, in Sokoto state.
The National President of the Federation, Alhaji Abubakar Gwandu, at the opening ceremony, said the championship was launched to advance the Fives game across the country.
Giving its history, Gwandu said the game was initiated by Sir Ahmadu Bello, the former Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto, to promote unity and friendship.
“The game originated in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, in 1928 and was introduced by an educationist named Mr Hobbert, during the colonial era.
“It later spread to Sokoto and other areas like Katsina and Kaduna, courtesy of the late Sardauna of Sokoto”, he explained.
The State Commissioner for Sports, Engr. Mustapha Muhammad, acknowledged Sokoto State’s importance in the fives game and appreciated the state’s pioneering role in embracing the sport.
Muhammad promised to collaborate with the state chapter to promote the game.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Sokoto State Fives Game Association, Alhaji Mai’akwai Lamido, said the state commended the national body for hosting the championship in the state, adding that he remains committed to the tournament’s success.
He stated that with the state government’s support, the fives game is expected to continue growing in popularity across the country.
Contingents from five states —Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina – are participating in the game, which will be held from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, at the Kangiwa Fives Court in Sokoto.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
