The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai has said that if elected governor in March, he will reactivate sporting activities in state.

El-Rufai, a former Federal Capital Territory minister, made the remark at a football competition organised in his honour by Kaduna youths under the auspices of Rescue Kaduna Group.

Sabon-Garin Local Government Area of the state, emerged winners of the competition tagged ‘el-Rufai Unity Cup’ aimed at shifting the focus of youths away from violence.

At the event, el-Rufai promised that when he gets to the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House through the people’s mandate, he would also ensure that all sportsmen and women were encouraged monetarily.

The governorship candidate, who commended the youths for organising the competition, said his government would give the desired attention to youth and sport development in the state.

He said, “When elected we will reactivate all sporting activities in the state and ensure that Kaduna sportsmen and women are encouraged monetarily.

“You don’t neglect your athletes and expect them to perform and represent the state well during competitions. Therefore, we will consider monetary rewards for them to boost their morale.”

In his remarks, the spokesperson for the Rescue Kaduna Group, Mohammed Tijjani, said the aim of the tournament was to bring together youths from the 23 local government areas of the state and make them understand that there was no alternative to unity.