Benue FA lauds Governor Alia on Aper Aku Stadium renovation The egg-heads of Benue

 

 Benue State Football Association (BSFA)  has commended the State Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for approving the immediate regrassing of the pitch at Aper Aku stadium, Makurdi.

Barr. Paul Edeh, the President of Benue FA and Ratels Sports Development Foundation said, "The governor who has spent few weeks in office is already demonstrating leadership.

"With the approval to fix the Aper Aku stadium pitch, teams located within Makurdi, especially Lobi Stars, will now have a comfortable place to train and play their home matches."

Edeh also spoke of the readiness of the board to build a state-of-the-art football secretariat within the stadium when authorities approve a land space for that purpose.

Meanwhile, eight (8) upcoming coaches were given scholarships to take part in the next phase of training programme at the National Institute of Sports (NIS).

While performing an official presentation of the beneficiaries at the General Congress organised by BSFA at the weekend, Edeh, said the football association under his watch will embark on consistent training and re-training of coaches in the state.

The BSFA boss also revealed plans to organise a mega training session, in collaboration with La Liga, for many coaches drawn from the state before the end of 2023.

He then reiterated the resolve of the board to expand the frontiers of grassroots football development within the next three years.

The FA boss said part of the steps taken so far within 40 days of the board's existence was the engagement of critical stakeholders and partners including strategic visits to the Paramount Ruler of Tiv nation Prof. Ortese Ayatse Tor Tiv and that of Idoma nation, Dr. John Elaigwu Och' Idoma who are now football Grand Patron and Patron in the state.

The board also paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and tertiary institutions in the state within the period under review.

"I want to assure everyone that this is a listening board that want to run an investment-driven football development programmes because balls are critical to the our developmental drive, we have concluded arrangement to import at least 10, 000 balls. We have also invited and met with La Liga representative for their experts to come to Benue and train our coaches.

"We will make coaches' training in an annual programme. From next year, coaches whose teams emerge tops at our various grassroots football competitions from the 23 LGAs will automatically be part of those who will be sent for more capacity building engagements at NIS and others," he said.

Responding, the Chairman of Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Benue State chapter, Coach Eugene Agabe, thanked the board for its laudable and consistent approach to football development.

Benue FA hosts inaugural Football Stakeholders Summit, as Governor's Cup returns

 

 

Executive Board of Benue State Football Association (BSFA), led by Barr. Paul Edeh recorded a milestone as it hosted a first ever football stakeholders summit at the weekend in Makurdi, the state capital.

The stakeholders summit which was held 49 days after the current BSFA board was inaugurated, witnessed the gathering of who-is-who in the state's football family.

Those who attended the summit included ex-internationals, club representatives, football administrators, coaches, referees, sports journalists among others drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Stakeholders, while speaking took turns to bare their minds on critical issues of importance, amidst the outpour of encomiums on the steps taken so far to show direction by the Benue FA board in less than two months.

Before then, BSFA Chairman, Barr. Paul Edeh, while recalling the various positive moves by his board, emphasised the need for peace and unity of purpose among the stakeholders.

"When we came on board, precisely 49 days ago, we took initiative on how to move football forward in order to rekindle the good old days when the various ex-internationals, some of whom are gathered here made us proud.

"I personally believe that there's no way we will make headway in developing football in the state without listening to those who have made a career from it, or are doing one thing or the other around football.

"Again, you can't grow the game when you have a divided house because a house divided against itself can't stand. We as stakeholders need to put heads together to find ways of developing football in Benue. We don't need to apply a political approach in developing football. We only need to speak and act as one.

"When an Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega or Onome Ebi is playing, no one identifies them based on where they come from, so all we need to do always is to identify the things that unite us rather than distract or disunite us," said Edeh.

He emphatically enjoined Benue stakeholders to desist from "any form of pull him down syndrome, instead join hands to encourage and promote each other.

Declaring the summit open, the state Director of Sports Comrade Philip Ter Nongu announced that His Excellency Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved immediate resuscitation of the annual Governor's Cup.

He also revealed that the state number one citizen has also directed that work should resume immediately on the pitch of Aper Aku stadium in Makurdi, to enable respective teams in the state, particularly Lobi Stars return home and prosecute their matches conveniently.

On the Stakeholders' Summit, the Sports Director said, "In my 16 years as General-Secretary, I didn't witness where such a summit was organised. So this is very apt and laudable."

Vice Chairman of Lobi Stars and ex-international Dominic Iorfa as well as other former footballers - Emmanuel Abah and Abdul Sule, were among others who attended the event.

Iorfa particularly said, "Since my involvement in football in the early 80s, I have never seen football organised in this manner where all stakeholders are gathered to discuss issues."

National President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, while acknowledging the efforts and exploits of the incumbent FA board, solicited for support to trigger more successes in the state.

He assured that the sporting media will continuously support in adequate publicity of its programmes and activities.

Chairmen of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association and Nigeria Referees Council in Benue state, Mr. Eugene Agabe and Mr. Gbilekaa Anthony, as well as other stakeholders hailed the developmental strides and timely actions of BSFA.

Benue FA floats Chairman's Cup, to reward best performing Local Council Football boss

 

Barr. Paul Edeh has revealed plans by the board of Benue State Football Association (BSFA) to organise annual FA Chairman's Cup.

The philanthropist and President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) who made the disclosure  during the maiden General Congress organised by the current BSFA leadership in Makurdi at the weekend, said the Chairman's Cup will be competed for teams drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

He also announced that at the end of the competition, the overall best team will smile home with a cash sum of a N1 million and trophy, while runners-up and third-placed sides will get N700, 000 and N300, 000 respectively.

Barr. Paul Edeh also said that before hand, there will be Board Members and Local Council Football Chairman's Cup which will take place at the various communities and constituencies' levels.

"As a board, we are not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that every talent anywhere in the state is identified and nurtured. This is one of our major move to return the state to the glory days.

"Alongside grassroots development, we will run football as a business, because gone are the days when the game was just for fun. In the business aspect of football, everyone from the players, coaches, up to the clubs, families and communities are beneficiaries.

"All hands need to be on deck to drive the process, so that together we can achieve more," he said.

Also, BSFA boss revealed that the board will towards the end of every year reward best performing Local Government football chairman with a brand new car.

He also expressed the readiness of the FA to honour politicians and others who distinguish themselves with their contributions towards grassroots football development in Benue State.

Aside from the board hierarchy, the LGA Football Chairmen and Secretaries as well as Club Representatives and other affiliate bodies attended the General Congress. The State Director of Sports, Comrade Philip Ter Nongu was among dignitaries who graced the event.

Och' Idoma showers royal blessings on new Benue FA Board

.. Idoma Monarch Made Football Patron 

 

The paramount ruler of Idoma land, HIS Royal Majesty, Dr. John Odogbo Elaigwu has showered special blessings and encomiums on the new Benue State Football Association (BSFA) led by Barrister Paul Edeh. 

The courtesy visit to the Och' Idoma Palace, according to the FA, was in continuation of the Board's initial consultations and partnership drive with critical stakeholders within the state as part of effort to ensure holistic engagement for sustained football development.

Barrister Edeh, who intimated the highly respected Traditional Ruler of how the new FA Board emerged and its already set blueprints in advancing the course of football development, solicited for his support and prayers.

Edeh, a legal luminary turned football administrator was emphatic that at the core of the BSFA's vision, is massive development of the round-leather game at the grassroots as means of fostering peace and unity as well as engaging the youths to focus on meaningful ventures.

He said, "In the past, most state FAs concentrate on the state capital when it comes to football development, but today Benue State FA has come to understand that, that little girl or boy in Ogbadigbo, Adigbo and other communities across the state can make it in various fields of endeavour, outside being doctors, lawyers, journalists etc.

"For instance, a football legend like Daniel Amokachi and indeed many others have made a whole lot of impacts using football. Infact, they are now models, that young ones look up to excel.

"We can restore those good old days when football use to attract so much attention in our communities and various localities and that is why we as an FA Board are very intentional in creating pathways for us to fish out talents that will make Benue and Nigeria proud.

"Therefore, we came to seek the guidance of his Royal Majesty so we can move football development forward."

Responding, the Och' Idoma while congratulating the new FA board, swiftly enjoined them to always work together and give the chairman maximum support so as to steer Benue football to higher heights.

Amidst the release of Royal blessings through fervent prayers for the FA board as well as his numerous advice, the Och' Idoma who is the Chairman Idoma Traditional Ruling Council said, "A tree cannot make a forest. You all need to work together to achieve your set goals. As you have elected your chairman with one voice, always support his leadership to do well... Whatever you do now will determine what will be spoken about you in the future.

The Och' Idoma also recalled his football passion while growing up, adding, "I was a footballer while growing up just as my elder brother but we didn't have anyone to train or guide us. Now, it's no longer the situation. Young people should avoid all forms of vices and queue into opportunities that sports prevents. 

"We will continue to support football development and I urge everyone to also support this worthy course."

Meanwhile His Royal Majesty, Dr. John Odogbo Elaigwu, has now become the Patron of Benue State Football Association (BSFA).

The development comes few days after the paramount ruler of Tiv Nation, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, was named as football Grand Patron.

Edeh who hailed the indelible impact of Och' Idoma in ensuring peace and unity of his domain, urged the Monarch to give approval for annual hosting of Och' Idoma Cup.

While recalling the dearth of football activities in the state, particularly in Otukpo, Edeh appealed to the Och' Idoma to use his revered position to urge the state government in collaboration with the 23 Local Government Areas to put the interest of football development at heart by making available land for stadiums as well as put it in place.

He said, "No doubt, Otukpo does not have a single stadium where your children can train or play any match. The only one (township stadium) we managed to have back in the decades, is no longer available after it was taken over by a federal government agency. 

"Now in Otukpo, people play their matches on few primary and secondary school pitches. We then appeal to your royal majesty to prevail on the LGA Chairmen in Zone C and the Governor to make available a land for stadium each and establish them because football is a unifying factor for peaceful coexistence.

"When we came on board, we took an initiative to institute an annual Och' Idoma Cup, just as we had pleaded with his Royal Majesty Tor Tiv as a way to spread the message of Peace and Unity."

On his part, the Och' Idoma hailed the calibre of personalities in the FA and enjoined the board to remain focused.

The Traditional Ruler said he will accept to be a Patron of the FA while Tor Tiv is the Grand Patron, adding, "Respect must be given to the Tor Tiv in his status as the Chairman of Benue State Traditional Rulers Council. We are one. As Tor Tiv leads the Traditional Council in the state, he has our full support."

The Och' Idoma however, decried the attitude of some well-to-do individuals within Idoma, but singled out Barr Edeh for high commendations due to his philanthropic gestures which led to installation of power substation transformers in parts of Otukpo as well as other developmental moves.

Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of special packages including footballs, sports track suits, jerseys and a plaque to the traditional ruler.

Benue FA Election: Barrister Edeh promises to run all-inclusive football association

A leading candidate for the chairmanship seat of the Benue State Football Association, BEFA, Barrister Paul Edeh has promised to lead the association with honesty and absolute inclusivity. 

Barrister Edeh stated this on Monday while featuring as a guest on a popular sports WhatsApp platform, Family United by Football, FUBF's Personality Interview session.

He stressed the need for every state football association to have proper synergy with the Local Football Councils to spread the development of the sports at the grassroot which he promise to do in Benue if elected. 

The distinguished legal luminary also assured that his FA would collaborate with Benue State Government to upgrade facilities and also build more for areas necessary. 

"Under my watch, I will ensure that the Local FAs are empowered and given what is due to them. The Board under my watch will advocate that each Local FA develop its framework for developing the game in their local communities. I will see how local FAs will operate with so much vigor and commitment to developing the game at the grassroots.

"We will seek to collaborate with the state government and thankfully we have a dynamic leadership in the state today that listens and wants to see how the game of football progresses. We will empower the local FAs and see that they can do as much as they can," he said. 

Barr. Edeh who has been successfully screened and cleared to contest for the top seat in Benue State Football Association election scheduled for Saturday, June 17, 2023, promised to speed up the process of making football a source of revenue-generating avenue in the state. 

An honest philanthropist and the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, RSDF, Barrister Edeh told the platform his plans to encapsulate the FIFA Forward Programme initiative which rests on increasing investment in football development, more impact through the achievement of football development objectives, and continued oversight to ensure that all funds are used responsibly.

He also used the medium to pay glowing tribute to the incumbent chairperson of Benue State FA, Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen for her foresight in advancing the course of football development in the state which he promised to build on if elected as the new FA Boss. 

"What I have done by way of partnering with the FA over the years is because of the commitment and capacity of the leader of Benue for football. Hon. Margaret Icheen. She has done so much for the betterment and growth of football in Benue state "Despite lack of funds, she has led the FA to make remarkable impacts which attracted a person like me to get involved."

Invincible Angels FC, Gboko felicitates with Benue State Governor-Elect, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia on election victory

 

The management, staff and players of INVINCIBLE ANGELS FC, Gboko, Benue state hereby felicitate with the Benue State Governor- Elect, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia on his overwhelming victory at the just concluded governorship elections.

Your Excellency Sir, your landslide victory at the poll is an indication of your wide acceptability and confidence in your ability to turn around the economic fortunes of the state and return Benue to her glorious days. 

We are confident that as a sports loving person, your emergence as Governor would serve as a catalyst to the development of sports, particularly women football with particular attention on INVINCIBLE ANGELS FC  (the citadel of women football) that has for many years represented and won laurels for Benue State.

We wish you well in your new exalted office and pray that God gives you the strength and wisdom to address the daunting challenges of statecraft to the glory of His name.

We assure you of our loyalty and continued prayers for you to succeed on your new task. 

Once again, Congratulations, Sir. 

Glory Girls of Otukpo claim inaugural BBA U-18 Women's Tourney

 

The 2022 Benue State Basketball Association U-18 Female Tournament ended yesterday at the Aper Stadium Makurdi. In the last game of the Tournament, Gboko Volunteers defeated Glory Girls of Otukpo 38-37. However since the Tournament was played on a double round robin format, Glory Girls emerge overall Champions having beaten the Volunteers by 4 points, 32 - 28 in their first meeting. 

The  Final game was full of thrills and suspense all through. Having won in the first encounter, Glory Girls had their pride to protect while Gboko Volunteers looked for an opportunity to seek revenge. It was a jostling game for both teams with Glory Girls enjoying the dominant lead. 

The dogged Gboko girls fought hard and tied the game at the 4th Quarter with 1:37 minutes to go. Glory Girls again picked a two point lead with 27  seconds left, but Sewuese,  star player of the Volunteers intercepted a pass  to tie the game. Glory girls had an opportunity to take a two point lead  again from the freethrow line but Janet who was on the line missed one shot. 

It was Sewuese  who showed she was a clutch player once more. With 7 seconds left in the game she drew contact on a lay up which sent her to the free throw line where she made both shots that won the game for the Gboko Volunteers. Game ended Gboko Volunteers 38, Glory Girls, 37. 

There was high drama at the end when the Glory Girls all broke down crying because they thought by their loss  they had lost the Tournament Trophy. Their consolation and redemption only came when they were announced as Winners based on the Head to Head Classification having tied on points with their fierce rivals. 

The Vice Chairman of the BBA, Mr Kelvin Kpum, conveyed the Association's appreciation to all the participants and officials'  with a promise that the State will continue with such developmental programmes. The Director,  Benue Sports Council, Mr. Philip Nongu, accompanied by many dignitaries and Stakeholders in the State,  commended the State Association for their effort in revitalizing the Sports in the State. 

A trophy was presented to the Champions , Glory Girls and cash prize for the MVP,  Sewuese of Gboko Volunteers. 

Final Table of the Tournament:

*1st - Glory Girls -P6, W5, L1, Pts 11( 1st on Head to Head Rule) 

* 2nd -Volunteers - P6, W5, L1,Pts 11( 2nd on Head to Head Rule).

*3rd- Sparks.       - P6, W2, L4, Pts 8. 

* 4th - Titans -      - P6, W0, L6, Pts 6.

Kogi Government Restates Commitment To Improving Secondary Education

 

By Stephen Adeleye

Kogi State Government has restated her commitment to programmes that will improve the secondary school education in the state.

The State's Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, gave the assurance while speaking at the ''North Central Advocacy and Sensitization Forum and Stakeholders' Meeting'', on the establishment of the National Senior Secondary School Education Commission (NSSEC) at Makurdi, Benue State.

Jones said that the Administration of Governor Yahaya Bello, was ready to support the ideas of NSSEC in developing secondary education in the state in its bid to lift the education sector to a higher pedestral

According to Jones, to salvage the education system of the country, the secondary school system must not be neglected.

“As you are all aware, basic education, comprising primary and junior secondary education has Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) as its regulatory and intervention body, while the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and National Universities Commission (NUC) regulate colleges of education, polytechnics and universities respectively.

“In the same vein, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) serves as an intervention agency for higher institutions in Nigeria.

"From this analogy, only Senior Secondary Education has no functional regulatory and intervention agency", he said.

He stressed that the secondary school education remained a critical stage where students decide their careers in life, insisting that it could not  be neglected.

The commissioner maintained that it was time for the North Central to rise and take their rightful place in academic excellence.

He commended the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and the Executive Secretary of NSSEC; describing the initiative as a step in the right direction.

''It is noteworthy that the NSSEC is seeking partnership with critical stakeholders, state governments and traditional institutions to reposition senior secondary schools in Nigeria'', he said.

The commissioner emphasised that NSSEC remained a brilliant move towards repositioning secondary Sshool education in Kogi State.

The commissioner was accompanied by the leadership of the State Technical Education and Teaching Service Commission (STETSCOM), 

End

LMC pledges supports for Benue Flood Victims

The League Management Company LMC, organizers of the Nigeria professional Football League in Nigeria have promised to support the victims of the recent devastating flood in Benue state, north central Nigeria. 

Lobi Stars engage Nasarawa United in a charity match for Benue Flood victims

Two friends, Mike Idoko and Isaac Danladi have both summoned their armies to battle as Lobi stars host Nasarawa United at the Aper Aku stadium on Wednesday.