Prudential Sports Limited has celebrated some of Gombe State’s brightest athletes and most dedicated sports figures, turning what could have been a routine awards ceremony into a show of real investment in the region’s sporting future.
The organisation didn’t just hand out plaques — it poured money, resources, and long-term support into a community that often goes unnoticed.
A Night That Highlighted Talent and Commitment
The event, held at the Matrix International Academy hall in Gombe, saw athletes, coaches, journalists, referees and administrators walk away with honours.
It felt lively, almost like a reunion of people who’ve been grinding quietly for years.
Mercy Iliya Namarwa — representing the Gombe State Chess Association — clinched the Best Athlete of the Year award.
A short sentence here: her reaction was pure joy.
Doma United’s Abdulrahman Mahmoud Baba was named Young Athlete of the Season, while Chindo Abubakar of Gombe Bulls earned Most Improved Player.
Footballer Atiku Baitu, known for his durability and consistency at FC Yarmalight, was recognised for the Most Appearances.
There was also praise for those who support the games from the sidelines.
Referee of the Year went to Bawa Buhari.
Journalist of the Year went to Daily Independence reporter Williams Attah.
And the CEO of Mailantarki Academy, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, received the Sports Administrator of the Year award — a nod to his influence in youth development.
More Than Awards: A Big Lift for Retired Athletes
One of the biggest surprises of the night came when Prudential Sports Limited announced the enrollment of over 1,000 retired athletes — plus their dependents — into the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Scheme (GoHealth).
The cost? N10 million, fully covered by the organisation.
It was a moment that drew applause.
Some retirees even teared up, according to those in attendance.
CEO Farouk Yarma, who also served as pioneer chairman of the Gombe Sports Commission, said the goal was simple: support people who gave years of service but often leave active sports with little to fall back on.
A one-sentence paragraph to keep the rhythm: that gesture resonated deeply in the room.
Yarma also confirmed that 100 active athletes were added to a contributory pension scheme with Premium Pension Limited — another step to keep future retirees from falling through the cracks.
A Boost for Local Football and Grassroots Sports
Prudential Sports didn’t stop there.
During the ceremony, N2 million was donated to the Gombe State Football Association to help clubs register for division 1 and 2 competitions.
It’s a small amount on the national scale, but for community clubs running on tight budgets, it can mean the difference between competing and sitting out a season.
The organisation also donated sports equipment to 15 public and private schools. Footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, handballs, chessboards, scrabble boards, and football nets were distributed.
Here is the single bullet point for this section, placed naturally:
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Each school received its own set, giving thousands of students access to equipment many of them had never used before.
A short, single-sentence paragraph: that’s often how future stars begin — with a ball handed to them.
Even Gombe State University got involved, receiving jerseys and sports materials aimed at strengthening its campus sports culture.
The Financial Breakdown Behind the Gesture
Below is the required table summarizing Prudential Sports Limited’s spending and contributions, which total well over N65 million:
| Initiative | Amount/Details | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| GoHealth Enrollment | N10 million | 1,000+ retired athletes & dependents |
| Pension Scheme | 100 active athletes | Long-term retirement support |
| Football Club Registration Support | N2 million | Clubs in Gombe divisions 1 & 2 |
| School Equipment Donation | Sports kits to 15 schools | Public & private students |
| University Support | Jerseys & equipment | Gombe State University |
| Event + Equipment Costs | Over N65 million total | Entire sports community |
A quick one-liner for variety: the money was significant, but the intention behind it felt even bigger.
What This Means for Gombe’s Sporting Future
Many people in the audience said the ceremony felt different from past recognition events.
It wasn’t just about awarding winners — it was about investing in the ecosystem.
Farouk Yarma said his long-term mission is to make Gombe a hub for sports development in the Northeast.
He hinted that Prudential Sports plans to expand training programs and support systems in 2026.
One small paragraph: athletes listened closely when he spoke.
Gombe’s sports scene has often operated without steady institutional backing, depending heavily on personal effort and a handful of committed administrators.
This event showed what can happen when a structured organisation decides to get involved.
There was laughter, applause, and a genuine sense of momentum.
And for many, that felt like a turning point.
A single sentence to close the news body: in a state where resources are limited, Prudential Sports managed to create a night filled with hope and real support.
