By Usu Apir Isaac
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has assured the management of Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi that his administration, will ensure a conducive environment that would help the club, to record the needed results for the good of the state.
Rev Fr Alia, who gave the assurance recently when he received the management of the club led by its Chairman who is also the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr Sam Ode at the Government House, Makurdi, said,
“I want to know the challenges and achievements of the club under the present management”.
Governor Alia acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts made by the present management of the club, saying it had been keeping the club afloat since he assumed office and reiterated his commitment to empowering the youths through sports especially in football, in order to fulfil one of his campaign promises of lifting the youths. He called for total support for his administration to succeed.
In his response, the Chairman of the club and Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode who briefed the Governor on the level of preparedness of the club ahead of the 2023/2024 NPFL season scheduled to begin on 26th August, 2023 said urgent attention was needed for the club to face the task ahead.
Barr Ode assured the Governor that Lobi Stars FC was committed to winning laurels and promised to remain loyal and supportive to the present administration.
Also responding, the Vice Chairman/CEO of Lobi Stars FC, Dominic Iorfa enumerated some of his achievements since he assumed office one and a half year ago which included rescuing Lobi Stars from relegation to the Lower Division and renovation of the McCarthy Stadium Makurdi.
He further explained that Lobi came second position in Group B of the abridged 2022/2023 NPFL which qualified them to play in the Super 6, the Naija Super 8 where Lobi also came 3rd position and prioritization of homegrown policy which was aimed at creating opportunity for indigenous footballers who are talented, to play for Lobi Stars among others were also some of his achievements.
The former QPR of England speedster thanked the Governor for beginning his administration on a sound note by prioritizing the welfare of workers in the state especially prompt payment of their salaries and his show of love for the youths and sports.
He said, “I will remain loyal and committed to supporting this administration, especially in the area of sports, to achieve the desired result”.
Highlight of the event included presentation of three new sets of jerseys to Governor Alia, by the former Super Eagles of Nigeria hit man.
