The Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, Dominic Iorfa has acknowledged the role of Media in sports development in the State and beyond.
Mr. Iorfa stated this on Wednesday at the main bowl of Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, Benue State while briefing press men on the activities of the club.
According to him, the decision to play home matches in Jos, Plateau State became necessary owing to the fact that, the dilapidated state of the Aper Aku stadium compelled the Interim Management Committee, IMC, which manages the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL to place ban to it.
“the reason for the ban on the stadium was obvious due to the dilapidated state of the pitch, even though I started rehabilitation work at the VIP session, it was not enough according to the IMC which they laid a sledgehammer to ban the pitch during their visit”, he stated.
He further stated that, in the whole of the 19 Northern States, only a few stadiums were approved for NPFL matches namely; Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, Pantami Stadium, Gombe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, El Kanemi Stadium, Borno, and the new Jos Stadium in Plateau State which left him with no option than to adopt Jos, which is more closer to the State.
Members of press who asked questions included, Tor Vande Aka of daily independent, Hembadoon Iorsaa of Leadership newspaper, Godwin Akor, Denen Achusa, a social commentator and Msen Takpi, a social media activist all sought to know why the Makurdi-based side now play their home matches away from home.
While some sought clarification on how he has been able to harnessed good lads who are making impact for the team, others asked how long it will take to rehabilitate the stadium and others on the allegation that he has kept some of the artificial particles for private use.
The CEO in his response said, he has a clear policy document to serve Lobi Stars, maintaining that, he embarked on a Local Government tour which gave him the privilege to get an abundance of talents to feature for the team.
On allegation that, he kept part of the artificial turf for private use, the football administrator refuted the claim and tagged it mischievous for someone to alleged such a claim, adding that, Aper Aku Stadium experienced the artificial planting during his first tenure in 2007 which is the reason the contractor handed to him the remnants.
He expressed sadness why some persons may toy with that bad part to blackmail the good deeds he has done for the State and also stressed the need for fair reportage amongst media professionals which is key for a conducive environment.
While thanking Governor Samuel Ortom and his Deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu for their sincere support which has led the club to be first in the NPFL group B of the abridged league, Mr. Iorfa reiterated the need for sustained prayers for the club and assured supporters of better days under his care driven by passion and love as he will always sacrifice everything for the betterment of Lobi Stars.
