The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr Hycenth Iormen Alia yesterday, Monday 1st August 2023 received in the audience the management of Lobi Stars Football Club led by the Chairman and Vice Barr Sam Ode and Dominic Iorfa at the Government House in Makurdi.
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Gov. Alia during the interface meeting, acknowledge the sacrifices as well as the efforts carried out so far by the management which have kept the club afloat since he assumed office.
Fr Alia thanked the management and sought to know in brief, the challenges and the achievements of the Club under the present management.
He assured the management of the club of his administration’s support in ensuring a conducive environment that would help them to record the needed results for the good of the State.
The Governor reiterated his commitment to empowering the youths through Sports to fulfill one of his campaign promises to lift the youth, especially in football, and called for the total support of his administration to succeed.
In his response, the Chairman of the Club who is also Deputy Gov Barr Sam Ode briefed Gov Alia on the level of preparation the club has embarked on ahead of the new season saying there is a need for urgent attention hence the league date of commencement has been fixed as 26th of August 2023 by the league authorities.
Barr Ode assured the Governor of the club’s commitment to winning laurels and promised to remain loyal and supportive.
Responding on behalf of Lobi Stars Management shortly after the Governor’s speech, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Iorfa thanked the Governor for granting them an audience and the opportunity to interact with him about the current state of the club.
The VC/CEO who was accompanied on the visit by the Director of Sports, Philip Nongo, narrated some of the successes he has recorded to the Governor since his assumption of office including:
– Renovation of Mccarthy Stadium which is a multi-purpose facility.
– Rescuing of Lobi Stars from relegation to maintain the FC in the elite league.
– Qualifications into the NPFL Super 6 and Naija Super 8
– Prioritization of homegrown policy, a policy that paved the way for indigenous talents to play for the Lobi Stars amongst others.
Mr Iorfa thanked Governor Alia for beginning his administration on a sound note and for taking the welfare of workers in the state his priority, especially in prompt payment of workers’ salaries, saying he remains loyal and committed to supporting his administration, especially in the sports sector to achieve the desired result.
The Ex-international player presented three sets of jerseys to the Governor during the visit.
