The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has promised to make Benue State a sports hub of the nation.
Governor Alia made the promise Friday, August 16, 2024 while delivering a goodwill message at the First Submit of Media Directors of the Nigeria’s Premier Football League held at Kimbiz International Hotel, Makurdi.
The Governor said his administration has already started working to return the glory of sports in the state, adding that they have accepted and granted sponsorship of Independent Organizations in Sports, brought back the Governor’s cup in Benue, pay sponsorship for the National Youth Games and also directed that all football pitches in the state, including those in schools be upgraded.
He continued that his administration has also rehabilitated hostels for athletes, returned the All Secondary School Games in the state, and have been making Prompt payment of salaries of players and staff of Lobi Stars.
Other things the Governor mentioned include clearance if entitlements of players and staff of Lobi Stars (directing that if any was left it should be drafted to his table immediately), donation of four brand new vehicles to Lobi Stars and the massive ongoing rehabilitation work and upgrading of the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.
The Governor said work was going to begun.on the J.S. Tarkar Stadium, Gboko with a view to bringing back the defunct BCC Lions Football club.
He disclosed the plan of his government to tap fully in the sports potentials.of Benue youths and expand the state economy through sports.
Governor Alia expressed delight and thanked the Nigeria’s Premier Football League for choosing Benue State as a place to host the ever first submit of their media directors, saying Benue is open to welcoming them anytime.
Earlier in their separate remarks, the Chief Operational Officer Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), Prince Davidson owumi and the president of Nigerian Premier League Media Directors, Amos Eche acknowledged the developmental strides of Governor Alia emphasizing the attention he has given to sports in Benue State.
The group made Governor Alia Grand Patron of the Media Directors of Nigeria’s Premier Football League in recognition of his efforts in upgrading sports in Benue State.
The Benue State Commissioner for Youths, Sports, and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, the Advisor, Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Denis Akura and the Vice Chairman, Lobi Stars football club were amongst other dignitaries that were present at the occasion.
By Isaac Uzaan
PSA on Media & Content Creation.
