Kwara State Sports Commission, under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, on Monday, September 30, 2025, visited Offa Federal Polytechnic Nursery and Primary School to celebrate six-year-old scrabble prodigy and National Youth Games gold medalist, Abdulsalam Yusuf.
The Commission’s delegation to Offa was led by Mrs. Monisola Yemisi Makanjuola, Permanent Member representing Kwara South Senatorial District. She was accompanied by Alhaji Dele Abubakar Seleto (MON), representing Kwara Central, and Hon. Abdullahi Yunusa Lade, representing Kwara North.
The team was warmly received by the school community, led by Alhaji Ibrahim Salman Yekini, who welcomed the guests with an organized assembly attended by pupils, staff, and board members. In his address, Alhaji Ibrahim applauded the Commission for recognizing the achievements of one of their pupils, describing Yusuf’s feat as a source of pride for the school.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Makanjuola delivered the message of the Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission. She hailed Abdulsalam Yusuf’s remarkable achievement at the National Youth Games in Asaba, where he won both silver and gold medals, making history as the youngest medalist in the Games at just six years old.
She further encouraged parents and teachers to allow children to participate in sports alongside their academics, stressing that sports help build discipline, leadership, and positive lifestyles for the future.
Representing the school board, Dr. Sunday Asakpa expressed deep appreciation to the Sports Commission for honoring Yusuf. He described the recognition as an encouragement not only for the young champion but also for other pupils in the school.
In his remarks, Alhaji Dele Abubakar Seleto congratulated the prodigy and his parents, noting that Yusuf’s success is a victory for his family, his school, and the entire state. He shared his personal testimony on how sports created opportunities for him, urging the school to keep encouraging its pupils to engage in sporting activities.
Hon. Abdullahi Lade also praised Yusuf’s talent while advising his parents to continue supporting him in combining sports with education. “If Yusuf excels in education, he will succeed; if he excels in sports, he will shine. But if he excels in both, he will become a superstar,” he said.
He added that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has prioritized youth development through sports, which is why he is widely regarded as a “sport-loving governor.” He also revealed that arrangements are underway for Yusuf to be formally received by the Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission and the Chairman of Offa Local Government next week.
The delegation also included the president of the Kwara Development Group, Mr. Olaide Ahli, who introduced the Sports Commission members and the young medalist’s coach, Mr. Hassan Olojoku.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of medals and sports gifts to Yusuf, which drew a standing ovation from pupils, teachers, and invited guests.
