Yobe govt approves N27m for Desert Stars
Governor Bukar Ibrahim of Yobe has directed the state Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to release N27million to the management of Desert Stars Footbll Club for the settlement of the club's financial obligations, Alhaji Saleh Kachalla, the sports commissioner, has disclosed.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu, Kachalla, said N15 million of the amount would be used to hire a coach and an assistant, players, payment of registration fees for the season, payment of various fines incurred by the club last season, purchase of kits and equipment, players' insurance and travelling expenses.
He said the club's debts during the 2004, 2005 and 2006 seasons would also be settled.
``Our sports-loving governor has also directed the ministry of finance to fund the club quarterly from the budgetary allocation to the sports ministry,'' the commissioner said.
He also disclosed that the finance ministry had also been ordered to provide funds for the completion of the security fence at the main bowl of the August 27 Stadium, Damaturu, to meet the Nigeria Football League (NFL) Board requirement before it could be approved to host matches.
A member of the club's management, Jonathan Gopep, assured that the funds approved for the team would be used prudently to meet the aspirations of the government.