Paul Edeh Defeats Ex-Super Eagles Coach To Emerge Benue FA Chairman

The President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh has emerged the chairman of the Football Association in Benue State, North Central Nigeria.

He was announced the winner for the position of Benue FA Chairman by the Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr Msugh Aga.

Edeh defeated former Nigerian Under 20 and Under 23 Eagles Coach, Godwin Uwua to clinch the position at the Benue State Football Association elections held on Saturday in Makurdi the State capital.

Eden described his emergence as a sign of good omen and an opportunity to transform the soccer industry in Benue State.

Read Also: Benue Governor Pledges To Support Sports Development

Speaking after taking the oath of office, Barrister Edeh emphasized his commitment to transforming football in the state.

“Our vision is to oversee and administer football in the most professional manner while sweeping away any corrupt tendencies in the running of football in the state.”

He added that his victory was a testimony to his successful grassroots football development initiatives.

The Benue FA Chairman promised to run a mission-driven football investment anchored on the cardinal points of transparency, accountability, courage, fairness and justice

He made a commitment to exceed and surpass all expectations to encourage football development in the state.

“We will provide the enabling environment for the game of football to thrive so that more names shall emerge in Benue State in the next one year”.

Investing in football 

The FA Chairman urged those interested in investing in football development in the state to come over and invest.

“We will spearhead the collection of a database of all past football activities in the state,” he said.

He pledged to revive the former BCC Lions Football Club of Gboko maintaining that the fame of the club cannot be wished away and called for its rejuvenation.

While noting that Benue State has a bundle of football talents that are yet to be discovered, the soccer enthusiast assured that the development of women’s football shall also feature prominently in his plans.

“We will revamp grassroots football to enable our local stars meet their dreams and aspirations in football”.

He directed that about 40 per cent of funds generated by the association shall be given to the local FAs and their affiliates for sustainability as part of measures to encourage football development at the grassroots level.

The new FA Chairman who announced the donation of 10 million Naira to the state Football Association also donated a Sienna bus with a pledge to establish a committee to restructure football development in the state.

He also revealed a sponsorship package valued at over 10 million Naira aimed at training and retraining referees and coaches within the state.

According to him, about three high-quality standard football pitches would be upgraded to advanced standards in each of the three senatorial districts of the state. In addition, all local governments in the state would be encouraged to have a standard football pitch.

“Part of my long-time plan is to construct an FA secretariat before the end of our tenure. Let it be on record that
henceforth, football shall be more visible in Benue State than any other state in the country”.

He commended the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF for the conduct of a free and fair election just as he pledged his loyalty, cooperation and total commitment to work with the NFF.

Governor’s cup

Earlier, Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, expressed government’s resolve to revive the Governor’s Cup competition to encourage the development of football at the grassroots.

Ode said the administration was waiting for briefings from the State Ministry of Youths and Sports to ascertain the degree of work to be done at the Aper Aku Stadium which he assured would be completed in the next three months.

The Deputy Governor urged sports administrators to promote football development in the state to take youths away from crimes.

The FA Chairman was elected alongside 10 other officials in various positions within the Benue State Football Administration.

 

 

 

Emmanuel Ukoh