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.

NFF lauds Edeh, vows to support Benue FA grassroot football drive

 

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has pledged his full support to the present administration of the Benue State Football Association, BSFA, led by the Chairman, Barr. Paul Edeh.

During a courtesy visit on the NFF Secretariat held at the Sunday Dankaro House in Abuja, the NFF President praised the State's FA vision and dedication in developing football from the grassroots.

While expressing his admiration and confidence in the Barr. Edeh led team, Gusua expressed optimism that BSFA  programmes will achieve great success through its emphasis on grassroots development and noted that it was in tandem with his board's vision to develop the game in Nigeria, adding that the BSFA would get the full backing of the apex football body.

"I want to assure you that under my watch we shall do everything possible to support your leadership. When Hon. Icheen met me to communicate that she wass not going to contest again. I told her I don't want to talk about that now, that she should give me a little time to think about it.  But later, Barrister Edeh told me his intention to contest for the Benue FA Chairman. It was then i felt a little bit relieved, because the whole essence is to get people that are interested and committed to the game of football to lead, because if we don't have people that are interested and committed into positions of leadership and give them authority, we're deceiving ourselves. God in his own wisdom will see us through to make sure we achieve our goals as FA  chairman and NFF president respectively”. He said. 

The country's number one football citizen also said he was deeply honoured by the presence and presentation of the delegation, stressing that the visit by the BSFA was the first of its kind by any FA in Nigeria to the apex football body in the country and urged them to sustain such a path of leadership.

"I'm proud of you Barr Paul, honestly because your board is the first  FA board that is making this kind of visit in the history of the NFF, I stand to be corrected. This is a pointer to the fact that your leadership as Benue state Chairman will be exceptional".

Earlier, the Chairman of the BSFA and President, Ratels Sports Development Foundation, RSDF  Barr. Edeh, while affirming his enduring passion for Sports within and without the State, said the reason for the visit  was to interact with the first citizen of football in Nigeria, understand his vision for football in order to ensure that the programmes designed by the current board of the BSFA are not at variance with that of the NFF board aimed at achieving the most desirable possible ways of grassroots football development. 

"When I made up my mind to contest for the Benue state FA Chairman, I first swept through your manifesto so that I can understand the vision of the man who's currently the first citizen of football in Nigeria and one fundamental vision was very prominent which caught my attention which was your vision to developed football from the grassroots. 

"Today, I must confess that the President and I have a couple of similarities. The first is the fact that the President has two women in his board and so do I. The President’s General Secretary is a PHD holder and so is my Secretary General. As you can see Sir, I am following in your footsteps”. He said. 

Edeh, while also thanking the NFF President for granting his board audience within a short notice, appealed to the NFF President to assist the State FA utilize her football facilities for their original purposes, adding that Benue State had made tremendous contributions to football in Nigeria but current infrastructural deficit if not urgently addressed would ebb the culture of football in the State and by extension, the country. 

"As an FA board, we decided not  to run our administration without first consulting and understanding what the vision of the president is regarding the growth of football at the FA level. So we're here to hear what your visions are so that when we run along with it, we'll be running in line with your vision and accomplish it head-on"

Sharing the board's encounter with some stakeholders in Benue State over the course of their previous visits, the astute football administrator and erudite technocrat of varying values, further advocated the need to embrace a policy direction that encourages the combination of Sports and education.

Barr Edeh also decried the high cost of football in the country which has militated against the growth of the game at the grassroots and urged the President to come up with a policy direction that would lead to the crash of the prices of football in the country and by extension Benue State to enhance easy access to balls. 

A high point of the Courtesy Call was a presentation of a variety of two big hamper baskets of fruits reminiscent of Benue State as a food basket of the Nation. This was in addition to other memorabilia handed to the NFF President by the leadership of the BSFA to symbolize why the State is regarded as the food FAs to reckon with under the astute leadership of Barr Edeh. 

The event also saw the presence of other notable figures, including NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and NFF Board members Mrs. Margaret Icheen and Alhaji Sharifx Rabi’u Inuwa popularly known ~as~ “Ahlan”

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 Board demands return of Otukpo Township Stadium

 

Benue State Football Association (BSFA) led by its vibrant Chairman Barrister Paul Edeh has demanded the return of the ancient Township Stadium in Otukpo to the FA, to enable teams to train and host championships.

Edeh, his entire FA Executive Board Members, affiliates, and other stakeholders made the crucial demand when they stormed the then football ground in Otukpo.

Coincidentally, the youths of the area who are eager to reclaim their playing pitch which was allegedly taken over by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), a federal government agency, gathered in protest.

While they protested, the FA board in unison walked around and prayed to God to grant them their heart's desire, just as they appealed to the Benue State Government for its intervention.

Speaking, a popular and former Benue State-born player, Eugene Agaigbe, expressed his sadness over the state of the pitch which has been turned into an abandoned building site.

Agaigbe who also played for Lobi Stars of Makurdi said, "I feel very bad and disappointed when I came around after many years to see that this place has been turned into another thing entirely. I played here as far back as 1988/89 and later I came back to play for Obeya Babes in 1991.

"Throughout my football career, this is where I made my name. Now that I'm a coach I feel very bad because I should have taken my team to play on this same ground."

A former Councillor in the area, Honourable Francis Ijiga, said, "This land from the early 80s was designated as the Township Stadium in Otukpo. At that time, many clubs from within and outside Otukpo used to train and play football competitions here.

"The ground produced many football stars we heard of in the past. Unfortunately, in the early 90s, the land was taken over by other people and they converted and later abandoned it as against the original plan by the government that approved it as a football pitch.

Also speaking, BSFA board member and former organizing secretary of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr. Godwin Oyiagba revealed that NCC took over the place over two decades ago with a promise to provide an alternative venue for the Township Stadium.

"This is the only stadium we have in Idoma land where I raised a team and that same team got to the National Division One League."

A former Match Commissioner and current BSFA Vice Chairman Alex Awunah said, "I have commissioned matches here in the late 80s and early 90s. This ground is very strategic for the youth of Otukpo and Benue State in general."

On his part, the FA Chairman, Barrister Edeh said, "The bible instructed that no one should take away the ancient landmark. The takeover of the Township Stadium is a clear indication that the ancient landmark has been moved.

"Teams especially in Otukpo don't have any place to train or play. They have been relegated to use primary and secondary schools and most times they are not granted permission. 

"We have come to reclaim the land. Look at the youths roaming the streets, they want to make a name for themselves but they can't because there's no place to use for training. In fact, in the last RATELS Benue Football League which was held a few weeks ago, no team from Otukpo participated because they don't have a place to train, let alone register to participate. 

"Just as His Royal Majesty said, the children who are birthed now are the ones who will reap from the legacies we will leave behind. I can assure you that nothing can be done with this abandoned building project anymore. The building is no more significant than having a football pitch here.

"There's no land that one can get for a Township Stadium that is on a strategic location, as the place is in the heart of  Otukpo."

Meanwhile, Barrister Edeh and his entourage had visited the paramount ruler of Idoma Land, HIS Royal Majesty Dr. John Odogbo Elaigwu on a courtesy call.

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."