DAMATURU, North-East Nigeria – The Sports Writers Association, (SWAN), Yobe state chapter has expressed shock over the demised of state Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Goni Bukar Lawan, who died in a ghastly motor accident on his way to Abuja enroute Kano.

A statement issued and jointly signed by Ahmed Amshi, and Duku Joel, SWAN Chairman and Secretary respectively, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, described the deceased as a man with an uncommon passion and zeal to succeed at any assignment he is saddled with.

The statement stated that SWAN was saddened by the loss especially with the renewed and robust relationship the Association has cultivated with the late Commissioner and the Ministry in charting a new course for Sports and Youth Development in the State.

The statement added that since the assumption of the late Lawan at the helm of Yobe Desert Stars FC, 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; noting that his dream as always shared with the Association was to return the club back to the Premier League the following season.

The statement reads; “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 in Johannesburg, South Africa are some of the landmarks he has left behind.

“The late 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 the Association in every sporting activities of the Ministry.

“While the Association remembers the fond memories of late Bukar as the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development in Yobe State, we feel with every sense of gratitude to God for a life well spent but with a deep sorrowful heart for this huge loss.

“On behalf of the executives and members of SWAN, 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.

“Our deepest condolences also go to the immediate family of the Late Commissioner. We pray to God Almighty to forgive his shortcomings and grant him paradise.”