The members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Yobe state chapter have received with shock the news of the demise of the Hon. Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Social Development, Rt. Honorable Goni Bukar Lawan, popularly called Bugon who died in a ghastly motor accident on his way to Abuja enroute Kano.
In a statement by the SWAN Chairman, Ahmed Amshi ,said the SWAN family in Yobe is particularly saddened by this loss especially with the renewed and reboots relationship that the association has cultivated with the late Commissioner and the ministry in chatting a new course in sports and Youth Development in the state.
“The Association remembers Hon. Goni Bukar was a man with an uncommon passion and zeal to succeed at any assignment that he is saddled with.
“Since his assumption at the helm of affairs at Yobe Desert Stars Football Club, both the club and the players have been in high spirit with high motivation resulting from regular payment of match bonuses to players and coaching staff of the club. His dream as he always shared with us was to bring the club back to the premier league by the following season.
“His simplicity and interaction with athletes both in and out of competition has always remain a source of motivation and inspiration for the young and up-coming athletes in the State
“His commitment to the development of sports ensured that Yobe participated in the Maiden Para Athletic National festival which took place in Abuja early this year with Yobe coming home with six medals. The excellence of the female Hockey team which will be representing Nigeria at the World Hockey League is Johannesburg, South Africa are some of the landmarks he has left behind,” said the SWAN chairman
Hon. Goni Bukar has always regarded SWAN as a worthy and major partner in the promotion and development of sports in the state through his all-inclusive policies of involving SWAN in every sporting activities of the Ministry.
While SWAN Yobe State Chapter remembers the fond memories of Hon. Goni Bukar as the Honourable Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development in Yobe State, we feel with every sense of gratitude to God for a life well spent by our dear commissioner but with a deep sorrowful heart for this huge loss.
On behalf of the executive and members of the Association, we wish to convey our heartfelt condolence to the Executive Governor of Yobe state, His Excellency, Hon. Mai Mala Buni and Yobe state government for the loss of this vibrant member of his executive council, a cheerful soul, Hon. Goni Bukar.
The SWAN family pray to God Almighty to forgive his shortcomings and grant him paradise.
