Paul Edeh, the newly sworn-in chairman of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA), wasted no time in fulfilling his promises as he redeemed the N10 million he pledged as a take-off grant for the association.
In addition, Edeh generously donated a Toyota Sienna bus to the BSFA, further emphasizing his commitment to the development of football in the state.
During his inaugural speech to the BSFA congress, which was attended by football council chairmen, secretaries, and other stakeholders, Edeh outlined his vision for the association.
He emphasized the importance of grassroots football development and expressed his desire to run an investment-driven, self-sustaining, and impactful football association. Edeh’s mission is to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rules and regulations set by FIFA, CAF, and the NFF.
Edeh, who is also the president of the Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), led the BSFA board on a courtesy visit to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
During the visit, he presented the board’s operational vision, which focuses on the FIFA Forward Project and aims to increase investment in football development while ensuring responsible fund utilization.
Furthermore, Edeh appealed to the state government to mandate local council chairmen to provide land for mini stadiums in their respective areas.
He stressed the importance of sports, particularly football, in addressing insecurity issues and requested the provision of working facilities, including buses, at the local council level.
In response, the state’s Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, congratulated and commended the new BSFA board for their immediate developmental initiatives.
He assured them that the government is committed to supporting sports development in the state and revealed plans to introduce a tax specifically designated for sports. The proposed tax, once passed into law, will help address the deficits in sports development.
Ode urged the FA board to redouble their efforts in the discharge of their duties and pledged the government’s support in creating a conducive environment for football to thrive in Benue State.
The delegation from the BSFA to the governor’s office included the vice chairman, Alex Awunah Ioryoosu, Avungu Jeremiah, Akaasar Marcel, Torluam Terungwa Samuel, Virginia Mbazan Kpindi, Moses Lubem Ukpo, Andiir Solomon Atoo, Francis Ijiga Eche, Godwin Oihi Akpa, and Unwanyi Ulegede.
Their presence demonstrated their commitment to fostering positive change and development in football throughout the state.
