Tinubu Mourns Ace Sports Administrator, Ibrahim Galadima

Nigeria's sports community is in mourning following the death of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, a figure widely respected for his decades of service to football and community leadership in Kano State. President Bola Tinubu has expressed his profound sadness, recognizing Galadima's indelible mark on the nation's sporting landscape.

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The President, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the demise of the former football promoter and administrator as a loss to sports administration and to Nigeria as a whole.

Galadima's career spanned various significant roles, including chairman of the Kano State Sports Council and a two-time commissioner. His influence extended to the national stage as he served as president of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), the precursor to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), from 2002 to 2006. His tenure was marked by efforts to develop the sport from its foundational levels up to the elite professional leagues.

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He noted that Galadima’s contributions to the development of Nigerian football at both grassroots and elite levels would be remembered by Nigerians for a long time.

Beyond his official capacities, Galadima was also a respected community leader, holding the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge in his hometown. This dual role underscored his commitment to both the broader development of Nigerian society and the specific upliftment of his local community. His passing is felt not only by the football fraternity but also by the people of Kano State and all those who benefited from his leadership and dedication.

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Galadima, who died on Saturday at the age of 78, had served the Kano State Government and the Federal Government in various capacities, including as chairman of the Kano State Sports Council and a two-time commissioner, before holding various positions in sports administration at the federal level.

The President's statement, issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that Galadima's legacy will be long remembered. His contributions are seen as a loss not just to sports administration but to Nigeria as a whole, reflecting a life dedicated to public service and the advancement of Nigerian football.

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Galadima also served as president of the defunct Nigeria Football Association (NFA), the precursor of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), between 2002 and 2006.