Governor, NFF President, Traditional Ruler Bag Awards

The Benue State Football Association (BSFA) at the weekend staged one of the most glamorous Awards and Dinner night, which witnessed the gathering of top sports and political personalities in parts of the country.

While Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia steered the political class, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau led Galaxy of Football Administrators including NFF board members and FA Chairmen from parts of Nigeria, with the President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, represented by SWAN Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo.

Interestingly, both Governor Alia and NFF President bagged prestigious Man of the Year and Special Recognition Awards respectively at the epoch event which held at the bubbling BIG Entertainment Hub in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

There were also Special Recognition Awards for revered Traditional Rulers led by His Royal Majesty (HRM) Orchiviligh Prof James Ayatse CON, TorTiv, then HRM Agaba Idu of Idoma Nation, Dr Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John CON, and His Royal Highness (HRH) Aule Vincent, Ter Makurdi.

BSFA Chairman, Chief Dr. Paul Edeh Esq, who went down memory lane on the existence of the association vis-a-vis the remarkable achievements of the current board, less than two years in office commended Governor Alia for ensuring the return of crucial Governor's Cup, after hiatus.

Chief Edeh also attested that the governor has shown great passion and resolve to turn around the fortunes of football in the state by embarking on the total overhaul of Aper Aku stadium as well as other developmental initiatives.

He said, "The Awards were given in recognition of individuals and corporate organisations that stood out in ensuring that grassroots football development thrive in Benue.

"We sincerely thank the Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia for all focused-driven government which has seen transformation and upliftment of football in Benue State, particularly your resolve to bring back the Governor's Cup which has already produced raw football talents from various communities.

"These talents are now ready for exploits at both National and international places. We are grateful.

"As a board, we will continue to support your administration in its quest to give governance a face-lift. Our focus have been in the area of training and re-training of coaches, referees, massive grassroots football activities at the communities and local government areas among others.

"The NFF President on his part has been the catalyst in the course for grassroots football development all over the country. He has steadily shown unparalleled commitment and that has remained our driving force."

The Governor whose Award was received by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Paul Biam, while acknowledging the spike in football development in the State, anchored by the present BSFA leadership, recalled how Chief Edeh has been instrumental in advancing meaningful initiatives including supporting growth moves outside football arena.

"The Governor is so pleased with the BSFA Chairman since his emergence. Chief Edeh is so visionary and resilient not only in matters that concern football. The Governor particularly was impressed with him when he got to know that he galvanised over N100 million to ensure payment of Lecturers who were to proceed on strike at the time the current government was transiting from the previous administration.

"For us as a government, we will continue to put smiles on the faces of Benue citizens to enable them thrive in their field of endeavours," the Chief of Staff said.

NFF President, Alhaji Gusau, appreciated the Governor for his developmental resolve which is gradually transforming the famous Aper Stadium in a bid to ensure the return of football activities at the sporting facility.

"With the move, Lobi Stars which is the darling club owned by the State Government will soon resume playing at home. Resuscitating the Governor's Cup was another right step in the right direction," he said.

Alhaji Gusau then urged the award recipients to see the recognition as a spur to do more for football development in the state, just he assured of his continued support to compliment both the State Government and other efforts.

NFF executive board and former Benue FA Chairman, Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen and the newly appointed Permanent Secretary Dr. Philip Nongu, BSFA Vice Chairman Sir Alex Awunah as well as a retired standout Referee Mrs Margaret Aku bagged Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Others who were honoured by BSFA include Benue State Deputy Governor Chief Dr. Barr. Sam Ode, MNI, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt Hon Aoandona Hyacinth Dajoh, and Commissioner of Sports, Youth Development and Creativity Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange.

BSFA Secretary Dr Iorngulum Malu, Elder Francis Ijiga, Chief Francis Alochu, Rt Hon George Alli and Nigeria international Francisca Ordega were also honoured.

Remarkably, Solomon Andir scopped double Awards as the Most Outstanding BSFA board member and Local FA Chairman of the Year.

For corporate category, Flight Transport Limited, Ratels Sports Development Foundation and Benue State University emerged as BSFA Brand of the Year, Sponsor of the Year and Partner of the Year respectively on a night full of flavour and glamorous displays.