The management of Nigeria National League yesterday honoured the late Yobe State’s Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Goni Bukar Lawan who died on the 2nd August, 2022.
Nigeria National League is the second tier of club football in Nigeria and for all the matches played in the league across the country yesterday, the players and officials were directed to observe a one minute silence in honour of Lawan who died in a ghastly motor accident on his way to Abuja on an official assignment.
At the August 27th Stadium in Damaturu, home of the late Commissioner, the Yobe Desert Stars Football Club who hosted Oyah FC Abuja also joined other players and officials across the country to honour Lawan.
Apart from the one minute prayers for the departed commissioner, players and officials all wore black armed band as a mark of mourning for the late Goni Bukar.
Hon. Goni Bukar apart from his position as the commissioner for Sports was also saddled with the responsibility of the Chairman, Management Committee of Yobe Desert FC by Gov. Mai Mala Buni because of his love and commitment to Sports in the state.
The Captain of the home team, Ismail Bagayang who spoke to our correspondent said the teams’ 5-2 victory was dedicated to the late commissioner.
“We approached this match with every seriousness because we needed the victory as a mark of honor for our chairman, Late Hon. Goni Bukar. This victory is dedicated to him. He has left us but his positive spirit will never depart from this team. We shall continue to do well in this team for his honor. We pray to Allah to forgive his sin and grant him paradise,” the captain said.
The Director Sports, Yobe State Sports Council and Secretary Management Committee, Yobe Desert FC, Dr. Abdulrahman Ago said the commissioner was an influential personality in his life time.
“Hon. Goni Bukar was such a strong personality in sports development in Yobe State. His personality was quite infectious on the athletes in the state. It is very unfortunate that he has left us at this time. As Muslims, we are consoled by the mystery of death and therefore cannot question the will of Allah. Allah has His plans for him. But I must say that Hon. Goni Bukar lived a very fulfilled life,” Ago said.