— Filmmaker, Pascal Atuma

By Benjamin Njoku

Popular Canadian-based Nigerian filmmaker Pascal Atuma is breaking new grounds as he has signed a tripartite partnership deal with the Katsina State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development/Katsina Football Academy as well as the Bondy Football Academy, Paris to nurture football talents in the state and Nigeria at large. .

Announcing the partnership, in a statement on Friday, Atuma said the collaborative effort aims to discover and cultivate Nigeria’s hidden football gems in Katsina State, providing them with the resources and expertise to reach their full potential and become world-class athletes.

His words: “It is with immense pride that I announce a groundbreaking milestone in our quest to nurture young talents in Nigeria. With years of experience in the talent industry, spanning film, television, music, and football, I recognize the importance of support in unlocking youthful potential.

“While some societies have made significant strides in talent development, Nigeria must also prioritize empowering its abundant young talent. This conviction drives my excitement about our innovative tripartite partnership between Tabic Sporting Outfit, Katsina State Ministry of Youths & Sports Development/Katsina Football Academy, Bondy Football Academy, Paris, France.

“The partnership will identify and develop raw talent, provide top-tier training and mentorship, and foster international exposure and opportunities.

“The Katsina State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Lawal Aliyu Zakari, during the meeting held at the Bondy Academy headquarters in Paris, France, explained the state’s commitment to the project as a mandate by the Executive Governor of the state, Dikko Umaru Radda, to seek out and form strategic partnerships across the globe for the development of youths and sports.

“Together, we will identify and develop raw talent, provide top-tier training and mentorship, and foster international exposure and opportunities. This partnership embodies our commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth and shaping the future of football excellence.”

During the partnership agreement meeting at Bondy Academy’s Paris headquarters, Katsina was represented by Lawal Aliyu Zakari, the Katsina state commissioner for youths and sports development; Sani Mustapha Bello, chairman of sports committee, Katsina house of assembly; and Ahmed Mohammed, chairman, Katsina Football Academy.

Bondy Academy was represented by its CEO Aacim Zahiri, and Jamel Zahiri, the sports director; while Atuma represented Tabic Football Club as co-chairman and co-founder.

Speaking on the partnership, Zakari said the Katsina government is committed to improving the state’s sports projects.

“This partnership represents a new dawn for youth and sports development in Katsina State, Nigeria, and Africa, and its potential impact is substantial. With the right support and resources, Nigeria’s young talents can shine on the global stage,” Zakari said.