The President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, Tuesday, visited Makurdi and presented a gigantic trophy to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for U15 football tournament.
The gesture follows the return of Governor’s Cup in the State.
The presentation of the trophy was in fulfillment of the promise which he made when he earlier visited the State on the invitation of Benue State Football Association (BSFA).
Handing over the trophy to Governor Alia inside the Government House in Makurdi, NFF President remarked that grassroots remains the bedrock of football development.
He said, “The trophy donation is a token of support to show that we at the NFF are surely with you in the resuscitation of Governor’s Cup. Be rest assured we will always be there for you as long as football development is concerned in Benue State.
“With the grassroots development of football, talents who abound in Benue State will be discovered and nurture. And top clubs like Lobi Stars won’t always need to go in search of Stars outside of the state because Benue is home of football.”
The NFF supreme then hailed the Governor for his sincere approach adding, “Your commitment to football development is very commendable. In you, we see someone we can work with to uplift and uphold human capital development which mainly about the young people. Once you have someone who have the people at heart, it becomes very easy for us to work with him.”
On his part, BSFA Chairman, Chief Barr. Paul Edeh hailed Governor Alia’s genuine dedication to people’s yearning which is “evident in the revival of the Benue State Governor’s Cup after 8 years of inactivity. We sincerely thank you and as an FA, we will stop at nothing to promote the tournament at the grassroots.
“Similarly, the ongoing renovation of Aper Aku Stadium after 15 years shows your dedication as a sports developer who is unrivaled.”
He also thanked the Governor for hosting the NFF President twice in a row, adding, “is a testament that Benue State is climbing to prominence in football development, this is as a result of your visionary leadership.”
Responding, Benue State Governor said he was desirious to return the State on the pinnacle of football development after long years of doldrums.
According to him, “No investment in sports is a waste, particularly football which is a unifying factor. Football has what it takes to transform the economy of a people.”
The governor alongside the NFF President, BSFA Chairman along with other stakeholders including Commissioner for Youth, Sports development and Creativity, Hon. Terkimbi Kyange and Chairman of Lobi Stars FC Dr. Philip Nongu, later inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of Aper Aku football pitch and other aspects of the Stadium.
