I Am Proud to Have Written a Chapter in the History of Africa Deaf Football Tournament ~ NDSF North East Board Member Opens up.

 ... Applauds WADSU President for Role Recognition

... Commends AAD, NDFA, NDSF, NSC, Others for Excellent Preparation

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan Gombe

Published on Sept. 6th, 2025

Mr. Umaru Zayyanu Bilya, one of the promising Deaf sports administrators in the country who is currently serving as the Board Member, Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation (NDSF), representing the North East sub-region had recently served as the Chief Protocol Officer during the just concluded 13th edition of the West Africa Deaf Football Tournament and the 3rd Athletic Championship 2025 hosted by Nigeria in FCT, Abuja. 

The former Taraba State Association of the Deaf (TSAD) chairman took to his social media handle to express immense grattitude and hearty appreciation to several individuals and sports organizations who made a positive impact into his sports administration journey and made outstanding contributions to the successful completion and hosting of the 13th West Africa Deaf Football Tournament in Nigeria. 

He wrote: "on 31st August, I received a commendation letter from the President of the West Africa Deaf Sports Union (WADSU), Mr. Amuda Yusuf Ibrahim, after the successful completion of the 13th edition of the West Africa Deaf Football Tournament and the 3rd Athletic Championship held in Abuja where the Nigeria Deaf Eagles emerged victorious and retained the title as defending champions for the 6th time"

"My service during the tournament covered most of the preparations, including logistics, protocols, and coordination" 

The visibly elated sports administrator was officially commended by the President of West Africa Deaf Sports Union (WADSU) Mr. Amuda Yusuf Ibrahim through an award of an official letter  of commendation from the WADSU headquarters which significantly acknowledge his outstanding performance as the Chief Protocol Officer during the tournament. A task he so much discharged brilliantly well to the satisfaction of everyone including the athletes, coaching staff and guests during the tournament.

While acknowledging the rare previlege accorded to him and the WADSU's recognition extended to him - the skillful sports administrator expressed heartfelt appreciation to the WADSU's president.

His words, "I sincerely appreciate Mr. Amuda Yusuf Ibrahim, the WADSU President, for the confidence he had in me by entrusting me with responsibilities and allowing me to take the lead right from the first day of preparations, which began a year ago"

"To my President, Alh. Dagbo Suleiman (NDSF President), who has been a father and mentor to me thank you for always putting me in front, giving me the needed support, and believing in me whenever tasks were assigned"

He added,  "you have taught me to keep pushing forward even when things got tough, especially during our long days at the NSC (9am to 9pm  a story for another day)"

He also applauded the key role played by various sports-loving individuals and groups, particularly the secretaries of Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation (NDSF) Mr. Lukman Agbabiaka and that of Nigeria Deaf Football Association (NDFA) Mr. Nehemiah Daret, NDFA's National chairman Mr. Kabiru Umaru, his National Sports Commission counterpart Hon. Shehu Dikko, Mal.rudeen Salisu , Mal. Sani Umar, Mr. Akin Officer, Mr. Fetus Zenda, Mr. Akin, Mrs. Veronica Sunday, Ms. Blessing Joshua , Ms. Patience Abuka, Bro. Jaafaru Sadiq, Bro. Mubarak, Mal. Ibrahim Rabiu, and NFF interpreters Emma Victor ,Fatima Dagbo and Abdul Ismail,  volunteers and ushering team,  Director of FEAD, Director of Facilities, managers of Package A and B and all staff of National Sports Commission, Abuja, entire Abuja Association of the Deaf (AAD)Executives and Abuja Deaf community, Abuja Bus Transportation Company, participating African countries — Gambia, Liberia, Niger, Togo, and Ivory Coast, Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman and entire members of LOC team, all of whom provided him with the much needed staminar, energy, guidance and equipping him with the necessary tools, resources, skills and knowledge which proved very essential to the success of his task. 

Describing the rare previlege to serve as a WADSU's Chief Protocol Officer during the tournament as more rewarding, profitable and memorable one - an opportunity that can not be erased in the sand of history, the former pioneer National Youth Leader of Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) admitted, "I am humbled and proud to have written a chapter in the history of the 13th edition of the West Africa Deaf Football Tournament and the 3rd Athletic Championship, Abuja 2025"