Applause, galaxy of recognitions as BSFA celebrates soccer excellence in Benue

The Benue State Football Association (BSFA) on the weekend staged probably the most glamorous Awards and Dinner night time, which witnessed the gathering of high sports activities and political personalities in components of the nation.

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 together with NFF board members and FA Chairmen from components of Nigeria, with the President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, represented by SWAN Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo.

Interestingly, each Governor Alia and NFF President bagged prestigious Man of the Year and Special Recognition Awards respectively on the epoch occasion which held on the effervescent BIG Entertainment Hub in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

There have been additionally 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 reminiscence lane on the existence of the affiliation vis-a-vis the outstanding achievements of the present board, lower than two years in workplace counseled Governor Alia for making certain the return of essential Governor’s Cup, after hiatus.

Chief Edeh additionally attested that the governor has proven nice ardour and resolve to show across the fortunes of soccer within the state by embarking on the full overhaul of Aper Aku stadium in addition to different developmental initiatives.

He stated, “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 acquired by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Paul Biam, whereas acknowledging the spike in soccer improvement within the State, anchored by the current BSFA management, recalled how Chief Edeh has been instrumental in advancing significant initiatives together with supporting development strikes exterior soccer area.

“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 stated.

NFF President, Alhaji Gusau, appreciated the Governor for his developmental resolve which is step by step remodeling the well-known Aper Stadium in a bid to make sure the return of soccer actions on 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 stated.

Alhaji Gusau then urged the award recipients to see the popularity as a spur to do extra for soccer improvement within the state, simply he assured of his continued assist to go with each the State Government and different efforts.

NFF government 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 in addition to a retired standout Referee Mrs Margaret Aku bagged Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Others who have been honoured by BSFA embody 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 worldwide Francisca Ordega have been additionally honoured.

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

For company class, 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 an evening filled with flavour and glamorous shows.