Nigeria’s Housing minister, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata Unveils Sahel Sports Newspaper in Kano
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, last Tuesday in Kano unveiled the maiden hard copy edition of Sahel Sports News, marking a historic milestone in sports journalism history in Northern Nigeria.
The unveiling ceremony drew the attention journalists, sports stakeholders, and community leaders, highlighting the growing role of specialized sports media in national development.
Notably, Sahel Sports News is the first English-language sports newspaper to be published from Kano—not as a magazine, but as a full-fledged newspaper, a development widely regarded as a breakthrough for sports reporting in the North-West region.
Following the unveiling, I, Oluwasetemi Adeyinka, Sahel Sports correspondent, interviewed the Publisher of Sahel Sports News, Dr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji, who spoke extensively on the significance of the moment, the choice of the Minister, and the vision behind the publication.
Speaking on what the unveiling meant to him personally and professionally, Dr. Oladimeji described the occasion as deeply fulfilling.
“Presenting the hard copy to the Honourable Minister was very fulfilling for me. We have a long and intimate relationship as childhood friends , who grew up in the same locality and played football together. At this stage of our lives, seeing a friend who has excelled politically while I have spent over two decades in sports journalism is very satisfying. Personally, I am fulfilled.”
Explaining why Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata was chosen to unveil the maiden edition, Dr. Oladimeji said the Minister’s deep-rooted background in sports made him the ideal choice.
He revealed that the Minister played football from the grassroots to the professional level, including a stint with El-Kanemi Warriors, and still actively participates in the sport during his leisure time.
“He is a core sports person. When someone has played and understands sports from the beginning, the passion is different. When he saw the paper, his face lit up and immediately spoke about how it would help develop sports in the region and Nigeria.”
On his interaction with the Minister during the unveiling, Dr. Oladimeji noted the ease with which the Minister accepted the role and the impact it has had.
“It is not easy to get a minister to unveil a newspaper, but once I approached him, he accepted immediately without stress. The unveiling has since gone viral, particularly within Kano and the North-West, bringing significant political, social, and professional advantages.”
During the interview, Dr. Oladimeji also spoke on youth empowerment and talent development, stated that Sahel Sports News would serve as a platform for grooming young sports journalists from across the country.
He emphasized on the importance of courage, fairness, and integrity in journalism, noting that conscience remains the foundation of the profession. He further described the publication as historic, stressing that it represents the first English sports newspaper in North-West Nigeria, a milestone he believes will be permanently documented.
On what readers and stakeholders should expect going forward, the publisher revealed that the newspaper will adopt a bold editorial approach.
“Our journalism style will be different. We will not focus on promoting foreign leagues or players. Our editorial policy is centered on shaping sports policies in Nigeria. The style will be firm, fair, and judicious—bold without being malicious.”
Addressing collaboration and partnerships, Dr. Oladimeji stressed that collaboration remains central to the paper’s mission.
He cited previous capacity-building initiatives organized in partnership with Kano State Library and American Space Kano, which brought together veteran journalists, sports administrators, coaches, referees, sports lawyers, and young reporters. According to him, engagements with government agencies, security agencies, and sports bodies are already underway, with the broader aim of fully integrating sports into Nigeria’s national development structure.
The unveiling of Sahel Sports News is widely regarded as a defining moment for sports journalism in Kano and the wider North-West, with stakeholders describing the publication as timely and necessary. Observers believe the newspaper will amplify grassroots sports stories, influence policy discussions, and strengthen youth participation in sports across the region.
Beyond its institutional importance, the moment also carries deep personal significance for me as the correspondent.
On a personal level, I am proud of Dr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji, not only for this historic achievement, but for the role he has played in shaping my journalism career as a sports journalist and writer. Knowing him closely and witnessing his discipline, vision, and unwavering commitment to ethical journalism has had a profound impact on my professional journey. His mentorship and example continue to inspire my work and dedication to the craft.
The launch of Sahel Sports News therefore stands not only as a landmark achievement for sports journalism in Northern Nigeria, but also as a testament to vision, perseverance, and the enduring influence of purposeful leadership in the media space.
