The Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms,
has promised to use the ideas and lessons he picked up in Morocco during the just-ended 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to improve sports in Plateau State.
Speaking to journalists on Monday shortly after arriving at the Yakubu Gowon International Airport in Heipang, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Ashoms said the trip opened his eyes to what is possible when sports are taken seriously.
He said he was pleased with Nigeria’s performance at the tournament, where the Super Eagles won a bronze medal, adding that the competition showed how important determination, proper planning and good sports facilities are.
“I am excited, happy and truly grateful for this experience. It showed us what can be achieved when sports development is done the right way. We have learned a lot, and we are ready to bring those lessons back to Plateau,” he said.
Using Senegal’s comeback in one of the matches and Nigeria’s overall performance as examples, Ashoms encouraged young people in Plateau to face challenges with confidence and courage.
“When challenges come, don’t run away from them. Face them directly. You will grow stronger, and you may even succeed in the end,” he advised.
The commissioner spoke highly of Morocco’s heavy investment in sports facilities, describing the country as a good example Plateau can learn from.
According to him, Morocco has made sports a key part of its national development and global image.
“If they keep this up, Morocco could become one of the strongest sporting nations in the next 10 years. Everywhere you go, you see football pitches, basketball courts, tennis courts and other facilities. The surroundings are clean, organised and well cared for,” he said.
Beyond facilities, Ashoms said he was impressed by how Moroccans proudly promote their country, stressing that people in Plateau should do the same.
“Every Moroccan you meet speaks proudly about their country. We should learn from that. When visitors come to Plateau, we should tell them about our strengths, even simple things like our Plateau potatoes. We must promote ourselves and stop allowing others to speak badly about us,” he said.
He also disclosed that the Plateau delegation used the AFCON platform to promote the state, adding that many Nigerians living in Morocco, including those who once lived, studied or served in Plateau, showed pride and strong emotional ties to the state.
Ashoms praised Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for creating opportunities that expose young people to new ideas and global experiences, saying the governor’s vision is helping to reposition Plateau and inspire its youth.
“Let us all work together to show the world the beauty, talent and potential of Plateau State,” he said.
However, he expressed concern that no player from Plateau was part of the Super Eagles squad at the tournament, describing it as a wake-up call for local athletes and sports stakeholders.
“This shows that we need to step up our efforts. Plateau has talent, but we need discipline, commitment and the right structures. I believe things will get better,” he said.
Ashoms assured that his ministry would work hard to adapt and apply the Moroccan sports model in Plateau, with the aim of making the state a centre for youth empowerment, sporting excellence and positive stories.
