By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
It was more than just a football match at the Lafia City Stadium as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, was hailed as a symbol of unwavering loyalty, leadership, and excellence during a novelty football match organized in honour of the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu.
The match, which ended in a 3-0 victory for the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development against Akwanga All Stars, featured high-level participation from government officials and sports stakeholders. While Hon. Kwanta thrilled the crowd with an impressive goalkeeping performance and Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan bagged a brace, the moment that left a lasting impression was the statesmanlike presence and inspiring remarks of Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi.
In a moving tribute during the post-match ceremony, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu described Barr. Danladi as more than a colleague,“a dependable brother, a serial supporter, and a loyal servant of Nasarawa State.” He said the Attorney General’s attendance, despite his tight schedule, reflected his consistency in backing progressive causes, particularly those aligned with youth development and sports.
“Barrister Isaac Danladi is not just a legal luminary; he is a grassroots builder, a motivator, and a pillar in the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule,” Kwanta stated. “He’s been with me through every major milestone, and his presence here today speaks volumes.
His continued show of solidarity inspires confidence across ministries and reminds us of what collaborative leadership truly means.”
Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, in his remarks, echoed deep sentiments of camaraderie and vision. He affirmed his historic connection with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, where he spent much of his public service career, and lauded Kwanta’s transformational leadership since assuming office.
“Hon. Kwanta Yakubu is a phenomenon. His innovation, vigour, and bold administrative reforms have repositioned the youth and sports sector in Nasarawa.
I have always identified with him because he delivers results that make the state proud,” Danladi stated.
He went on to describe the Commissioner as “a prophet honoured at home and abroad,” noting his reappointment was well deserved and reflective of the confidence Governor Sule has in him. Barr. Danladi further called on sports stakeholders and the Akwanga All Stars to remain united and committed to supporting government initiatives that empower youths and strengthen community bonds.
Demonstrating his usual generosity and commitment to youth-focused programs, Barr. Danladi donated ₦200,000 to participants in the match, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of Akwanga All Stars, Adamu Aliyu, revealed that the novelty match was not only to celebrate, Hon. Kwanta’s reappointment but also to reaffirm the club’s alignment with the youth empowerment agenda of Governor Abdullahi Sule, who serves as the club's Grand Patron.
As part of the ceremony, customised jerseys were presented to Hon. Kwanta and Dr. Alhassan, symbolizing their formal induction into the Akwanga All Stars family.
Among dignitaries present were directors and staff of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, aides to the governor, board members of Nasarawa United FC, sports journalists under the SWAN Nasarawa Chapter, corps members, and supporters from Nasarawa United and Nasarawa Amazons.
Beyond the scoreline, the event spotlighted the strength of inter-ministerial synergy, personified by Barr. Isaac Danladi’s active involvement, a leader who continues to redefine public service through loyalty, excellence, and people-driven engagement.
