It was a peculiar moment of an outpour of special blessings and encomiums when the new Benue State Football Association (BSFA) led by Barr. Paul Edeh visited the Paramount Ruler of Idoma land, His Royal Majesty, Dr. John Odogbo Elaigwu.
The courtesy visit, according to the FA, was in continuation of the board’s initial consultations and partnership drives with critical stakeholders within the state as part of effort to ensure holistic engagement for sustained football development.
Upon entry and eventual warm reception by His Royal Majesty known as Och’ Idoma inside his revered palace at Otukpo, Benue state, Barr. Edeh who intimated the highly respected Traditional Ruler of how the new FA board emerged and its already set Blueprints in advancing the course of football development, solicited his support and prayers.
Edeh, a Legal luminary turned veteran football administrator was emphatic that at the core of the BSFA’s vision is massive development of the round-leather game at the grassroots as means of fostering peace and unity as well as engaging the youths to focus on meaningful ventures.
He said, “In the past, most state FAs concentrate on the state capital when it comes to football development, but today Benue state FA has come to understand that, that little girl or boy in Ogbadigbo, Adigbo and other communities across the state can make it in various fields of endeavour, outside being doctors, lawyers, journalists etc.
“For instance, a football legend like Daniel Amokachi and indeed many others have made a whole lot of impacts using football. Infact, They are now models others, especially young ones look up to excel.
“We can restore those good old days when football use to attract so much attention in our communities and various localities and that is why we as an FA board are very intentional in creating pathways for us to fish out talents that will make Benue and Nigeria proud.
“Therefore, we came to seek the guidance of his Royal Majesty so we can move football development forward.”
Responding, the Och’ Idoma while congratulating the new FA board, swiftly enjoined them to always work together and give the chairman maximum support so as to steer Benue football to higher heights.
Amidst the release of Royal blessings through fervent prayer for the FA board as well as his numerous advice, the Och’ Idoma who is the Chairman Idoma Traditional Ruling Council said, “A tree cannot make a forest. You all need to work together to achieve your set goals. As you have elected your chairman with one voice, always support his leadership to do well… Whatever you do now will determine what will be spoken about you in the future.
The Paramount Ruler also recalled his football passion while growing up, adding, “I was a footballer while growing up just as my elder brother but we didn’t have anyone to train or guide us. Now, it’s no longer the situation. Young people should avoid all forms of vices and queue into opportunities that sports prevents.
“We will continue to support football development and I urge everyone to also support this worthy course.”
The current BSFA elected on June 17, 2023 had last week visited the Paramount Ruler of Tiv Nation and Chairman of Benue State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, Tor Tiv at his Palace in Gboko.
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