Governor Sani Bello of Niger State

The Niger Government has procured 100 table tennis boards and accessories towards developing the game at the grassroots.

Malam Mamman Musa, the state Commissioner, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Development, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Friday that the equipment would be distributed to primary schools in the state.

Musa, who did not give the cost of the equipment, said that the initiative was to encourage children in the state to embrace the game of table tennis at an early age.

“The state government recently purchased 100 table tennis boards in order to develop the game from the grassroots,’’ he said.

The commissioner said that the equipment included tennis boards, nets, balls and bats.

Also, Mr Kudu Benson, Director of Sports, Niger Ministry of Education, said that the measure would keep the children away from negative vices and make them develop interest in the game.

Benson commended government for the gesture and said that it would reduce the burden of providing such facility by the ministry of education.

He said that the ministry was waiting to receive the sport equipment and would ensure its judicious use.

(NAN)