Prominent Nigerian sports administrators, footballers and government officials on Sunday gathered in Kano for the burial of a former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) chairman, Ibrahim Galadima, who was laid to rest at Fagge quarters in Kano metropolis.
Among those in attendance were the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau; Secretary to the Kano State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim; NFF board member, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa; former Kano Pillars chairman, Tukur Babangida; former NFA Secretary General, Hon. Sani Toro; and former Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa.
In separate remarks, Dikko and Gusau described the late Galadima as a dedicated and selfless administrator who devoted his life to the growth of football in Nigeria.
They said he served as a mentor and father figure to many in the sports sector, adding that his contributions and guidance would remain indelible.
“Late Galadima was always offering advice and ideas that helped us in discharging our responsibilities. He was a man of integrity and faith in all his dealings,” said Dikko.
He added that the history of Nigerian football would be incomplete without mentioning Galadima, given his passion and lifelong commitment to the sport.
Also speaking, Ahmed Musa, who is the General Manager of Kano Pillars FC, described Galadima’s death as a huge loss to Nigerian football, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of players and administrators.
“He was more than a football administrator; he was a father to many of us. His contributions to Kano Pillars and Nigerian football will never be forgotten,” Musa said.
Tinubu, Gov Yusuf, others pay tributes
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed profound grief over the loss of the iconic sports administrator.
He described Galadima as an accomplished sports administrator whose contributions to football development at grassroots and elite levels would be remembered for years.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State also expressed sorrow over the passing of the illustrious Kano son.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the governor described Galadima as an accomplished sports administrator, a respected statesman, and a community leader who devoted his life to the advancement of football and public service in Nigeria.
He added that the deceased’s enduring legacy of integrity, dedication, and exemplary leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.
On his part, the General Manager of Barau FC Kano, Dominic Iorfa, described Galadima as a towering figure in sports administration whose legacies would endure.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State chapter, said it had lost a pillar, mentor and strong supporter of sports journalism, noting that his contributions to policy, administration and youth development were immeasurable.
Galadima’s service to football
Daily Trust reports that Galadima died on Saturday, April 18 at the age of 78 after a prolonged illness.
Born in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State, Gaaladima lived his life around sports, serving meritoriously in all assigned or elective positions.
He was Chairman of the Kano State Football Association between 1977 and 1979, served as the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council between 1981 and 1983, and in 1984, was made a Member of the Caretaker Committee of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Between 1985-1987, he was the 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee. In the waning 80s, he was Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports in Kano State, and later served as the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport in the State.
Galadima was appointed a Member of the Presidential Monitoring Committee for Stadia Development ahead of the FIFA World Youth Championship that Nigeria was scheduled to host in 1995.
The tournament was moved due to health concerns, but when Nigeria eventually hosted four years later, he served as Chairman of the Kano Sub-Seat.