By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormen Alia yesterday held a crucial meeting with Lobi Stars Football Management management, staff and players at the VIP stand of Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, alongside other football stakeholders to chat a way forward and modalities aiming at helping the club grow stronger.
After welcoming the Governor, his deputy who doubles as the Chairman of the Club, Barrister Sam Ode said they have received briefings about Lobi Stars and have decided with his principal to create an avenue where inputs will be gathered for decision-making for the growth of the club. Ode who announced his principal as the ambassador of Lobi Stars, urges everyone to trust the Alia-led administration in the state to reposition Lobi Stars for greater gains.
Lobi Stars captain, Daniel Atsaka who was the first speaker at the event acknowledged the significant impact the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the club, Dominic Iorfa played to keep the club in the NPFL after all hope was lost when the club was in 19th position.
“The club was in a precarious situation until Iorfa was appointed in March, 2022 and was able to rescue it from relegation. The VC led the club in the 2023 Abridged season and ended in the second position which guaranteed the club’s Super Six spot”.
Chief Godwin Koko Uwua, Moses Kpakor, Grace Iorhe, and Sam Aindigh, who all spoke on behalf of Benue Sports Stakeholders acknowledged Iorfa’s expertise in football administration which compelled them to call for his appointment when the club was in the relegation zone which he eventually salvage the situation. Chief Uwua however maintained that they needed Iorfa to carry them along.
Gov Alia in his remarks acknowledged those contributions and promised to do his best to ensure Lobi Stars get the best result.
He further set up a 5 man committee headed by the Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Aondona Dajo, while Director of Sports, Philip Nongo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, John Tor Akume, Aondofa Akosu and Chief Godwin Uwua will serve as members.
The Governor charged them to work as a team and report to him on Sunday and directs that , the same kind of meeting to be reconvened on Monday, the 29th day of August, 2023 by 5:00 pm to enable him make the right decision.
