Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin, says the creation of Barau Football Club was part of a deliberate strategy to engage youths, curb drug abuse and reduce social vices in Kano State and Nigeria.
Jibrin, who is also the proprietor of the club, stated this on Monday in Kano during its Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) promotional launch.
He expressed confidence that the team would excel in the NPFL and reach continental competitions within a year.
“The idea of forming Barau FC is to engage our youths so that they can have something that will occupy their minds.
“In Kano today, drug addiction is very rampant and youth involvement in vices like stealing and robbery are on the rise.
“Football offers a positive platform to keep our youths engaged and focused,” he said.
Jibrin said that football had become a viable career path, citing Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa as an example of how players could achieve financial success and contribute to society.
He added that the club had recruited top talents from within and outside Nigeria, under the leadership of Dr Isa Ladan Bosun, Coach of Barau FC.
Jibrin said, “One season at the NNL, and now, we are in the Premier League.
“You have brought victory to Kano, and Nigeria, more is yet to come we will get there.
“I am proud to have you as players of Barau FC and technical team ,with greatest passion and dedication.”
“Our vision is to win the league, go continental, and showcase our players on the global stage,” he said.
The Coach, Barau FC, Dr Ladan Bosun, commended Jibrin for his support given to the team and urged the players to redouble their efforts.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Youths and Sports, Alhaji Kabiru Ado-Lakwaya, hailed Jibrin for his fatherly encouragement and described the initiative as a bold step towards taking youths off the streets and making them economically active.