Senator Sulaiman Sadiq Umar, who represents Kwara North in Nigeria’s National Assembly, has pledged continued support for grassroots sports and youth development in the state, as he commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained investment in the sector.
Speaking at a meeting with members of the Kwara United Football Club Supporters and Fans Club who visited him at his residence in Ilorin, the senator—popularly known as “3SU”—also congratulated the governor on Kwara United’s recent success, including their historic win of the President Federation Cup.
Senator Umar described the supporters and fans as “the nerve centre” of the club’s growing achievements, crediting them for their dedication and impact on the team’s morale and performance.
“Your passion and support are central to the club’s progress,” he said. “You energise the team, and your backing is as crucial as any financial or technical input.”
While acknowledging the government’s lead role in funding sports, the senator emphasised the need for community and private sector contributions.
“The government alone cannot do it all. We will continue to complement the governor’s efforts, particularly under the leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who also chairs the Nigerian Governors Forum,” he said.
He further reiterated his personal commitment to sports and youth empowerment initiatives, pledging sustained support for Kwara United and the wider sporting community.
Earlier, Waheed Saliu Obe and Tajudeen Osoogun—chairmen of the Kwara United Supporters Club and Fans Club, respectively—expressed gratitude to both the governor and Senator Umar. They cited the senator’s steady contributions, including his encouragement and logistical backing, as key to the club’s recent success.
The two groups presented the senator with awards of excellence in appreciation of his support.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kwara Football Association, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa, popularly known as Thuraya, praised the dedication of the supporters’ groups and described Senator Umar as a “silent achiever” whose backing has made tangible impacts.
He listed some of the senator’s interventions, including financial motivation for players during critical matches, provision of customised jerseys, tracksuits and fan replicas, and outreach to football communities across all 16 local government areas in the state.