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The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, has called on Nigerians, particularly residents of Kwara State, to embrace the game of snooker as a viable tool for sports development, youth engagement, and social inclusion.
Mallam Mogaji made the call during the Aminisa Snooker Club League (ASCL) Premier League 2026, held at Mix and Mingle Lounge, Palm Mall, Ilorin.
Speaking at the event, Coach Mogaji urged the public to separate the game of snooker from the negative perceptions often associated with some individuals around the sport and instead appreciate its immense value as a competitive sporting discipline capable of promoting youth development, empowerment, and social interaction.
He described snooker as a sport with enormous potential despite its relatively low popularity in Nigeria compared to other sporting disciplines, expressing confidence that the ASCL Premier League would significantly boost its visibility and acceptance in Kwara State and beyond.
According to him, introducing snooker into schools would provide young people with an additional platform to discover, nurture, and showcase their sporting talents.
He further emphasized that snooker is an inclusive sport that transcends age, gender, and social status.
“Snooker is a game for everyone—men and women, young and old, including children. It is not reserved for the elite. With initiatives like this, more people will develop interest in the sport, and it will continue to grow,” he said.
Coach Mogaji also advised the organizers to establish clear rules and regulations to guide participants throughout the competition. He stressed the importance of discipline, fairness, and professionalism while urging the organizers to ensure that betting and gambling are not associated with the league in order to preserve the integrity of the competition.
He commended the organizers of the Aminisa Snooker Club League for their vision, dedication, and commitment to promoting snooker in Kwara State, describing the competition as a laudable initiative that would contribute meaningfully to the growth and diversification of sports in the state.
The Sports Commission Chairman also praised the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his unwavering commitment to sports development. He noted that the Governor has continued to demonstrate remarkable support for various sporting disciplines by creating opportunities for athletes and fostering an enabling environment for sports to thrive across the state.
Mallam Mogaji reaffirmed the commitment of the Kwara State Sports Commission to supporting initiatives that promote grassroots sports development, discover young talents, and encourage healthy recreation among the people of the state.
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