Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has pledged to transform the state into a major sports hub.
Speaking on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the First Summit of Media Directors of Nigeria’s Premier Football League held at Kimbiz International Hotel in Makurdi, Governor Alia outlined his administration’s plans to revive sports in the state.
He highlighted initiatives such as sponsoring independent sports organizations, reinstating the Governor’s Cup, funding the National Youth Games, and upgrading all football pitches, including those in schools. Additionally, his administration has rehabilitated athlete hostels, reinstated the All Secondary School Games, and ensured the prompt payment of salaries for 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.
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.
