Bauchi Govt Backs Wikki Tourists’ International Marketing Drive

The Bauchi State Government has backed Wikki Tourists Football Club’s move to expand its international marketing activities, describing the initiative as part of efforts to reposition the club and create new commercial opportunities.

Governor Bala Mohammed gave the assurance when he received the management of Wikki Tourists and members of the club’s newly appointed marketing team at the Government House, Bauchi, on Tuesday.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, commended the club’s management, led by chairman Haruna Bako, for seeking opportunities beyond the Nigerian market to strengthen its revenue base.

Jatau urged the marketing team to approach its assignment professionally and with a clear understanding of the club’s objectives.

He said the state government remained committed to sports development, adding that Wikki Tourists was among the major beneficiaries of its investment in the sector.

The deputy governor also stressed the need for the initiative to project the image of Bauchi State and Wikki Tourists internationally, while attracting commercial interest and potential investment to both the club and the state.

Earlier, Bako said the engagement of professional marketers was part of his administration’s efforts to introduce reforms and change the narrative around the club.

He also reaffirmed the management’s ambition to return Wikki Tourists to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next season.

The newly engaged marketing team comprises John Onu of Fair Play International, Abdul Rahman of Liztin Communications and Gene Joseph of Talent Futbol S.L., a Spain-based international sports marketing company.

According to the club, Joseph will lead efforts to market Wikki Tourists and its players in Europe and other international markets.

The marketers thanked the club’s management for the confidence placed in them and pledged to create new commercial opportunities for the club and its players.

They noted that football had evolved into a major global business, with strategic marketing, branding and international partnerships providing opportunities for clubs and players to expand their reach.

The initiative is expected to strengthen Wikki Tourists’ commercial and international profile as the club seeks to return to the NPFL.