Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Yobe State chapter have expressed shock following the death of Rt. Honorable Goni Bukar Lawan, aka Bugon, the state Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Social Development who died on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 in a ghastly motor accident on his way to Abuja from Kano State.
The association in a statement obtained by Neptune Prime on Thursday said Goni’s demise came at a time when he had established robust relationship between its members and the ministry and setting the pace for the development of sports in the state.
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The association also condoled with family of the deceased.
According to the association, Hon. Goni Bukar was a man with an uncommon passion and zeal to succeed at any assignment that he is saddled with.
The statement reads: “Since his assumption at the helm of 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.”
Goni Bukar will be remembered for his immense contribution to sports development in the state including his contribution in ensuring the state para athletic team participated in the maiden edition of the Para Athletic National festival held early this year in Abuja, the Nigeria’s capital.
As a result of his unflinching commitment to sports development, Nigeria will be represented at this year’s World Hockey League Johannesburg, South Africa.
“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 Jo Burg, South Africa are some of the landmarks he has left behind.
“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 association said.
