The Benue State Football Association (BSFA) has praised the appointment of its compatriots into the different permanent and temporary committees established by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
A roster of the committees disclosed by the NFF Communications department on Tuesday indicated that up to three Benue State – born football veterans including BSFA Chairman Barr. Paul Edeh, top-ranking NFF executive board Rt Hon Margaret Icheen and Mrs Margaret Aku were announced to serve in five committees.
While Rt. Hon. Icheen historically became the first Benue native to be enlisted in three Committees simultaneously as the Chairman Protocol and Ceremonial, Vice Chairperson Finance and a Member Establishment committees, Barr. Edeh, a well-known philanthropist and the sole founder of two women clubs in Nigeria – Naija Ratels and Honey Badgers, is now a member of the NFF’s Legal Committee.
Mrs Aku was appointed into the Women Committee of the country’s football Federation.
Upon the release of the list of those who were diligently chosen to serve in the committees, both FA board members and indeed other football enthusiasts of Benue State took turns to contact the appointees in a flood of congratulatory messages.
Benue FA Chairman, Barr. Edeh, while acknowledging NFF for the confidence placed in the people of the state, said the time has come for football to experience substantial development throughout the nation.
“I particularly want to congratulate our esteemed Ambassador Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen who was the immediate Chairperson of Benue FA and now NFF executive board member.
“It is pleasing to know and note that the current NFF leadership is meeting the expectations by giving her the opportunity to serve in three different committees. Indeed, her experience and steadfastness in administering football from Benue to the entire country have been visible and praiseworthy.
“I also congratulate Mrs Margaret Aku who is also another exceptional individual to consider when it comes to her passion for women football anywhere, anytime.
“I have always emphasized that developing football requires a significant amount of human and capital investment, application, and management. This is the path that every passionate football developer, whether a coach or an administrator, should follow.
“And as a state FA, we are always committed to implementing NFF’s vision in ensuring grassroots football development in all local governments and communities in Benue state, with a firm assurance that we will not disappoint even as Benue representatives in the various committees,” Barr. Edeh, who is also the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, said in a statement on Thursday.