The commitment of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, is to develop the state into a sports center.
During the opening of the initial seminar for media officers of the Nigeria Professional Football League in Makurdi, the governor made a pledge.
Alia took the chance to discuss the plans of his administration to bring back sports, emphasizing that the Gboko Stadium and other fields in the state would receive upgrades to meet global standards.
He stated, “Benue is on track to becoming a sports hub in our country. We are only just starting to concentrate on sports; we have resuscitated the Governor’s Cup and have intentions to enhance all football fields in the state, including those in schools.
“We are dedicated to the timely payment of players’ wages, and actions will be taken to rejuvenate the Gboko Stadium to boost the football club, as well as to repair the Aper Aku Stadium.
“Overall, we are determined to revive the past glory of football in the state.”
Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Professional Football League, earlier urged the media officers of clubs to recognize and alter the narrative in the promotion and representation of the nation’s league.
Owumi elaborated that the objective of the seminar was to sensitize media officers about their role in elevating the direction of football.
He stated, “We have disregarded this aspect for quite a while. We need to enter a new phase in professional football by changing the narrative and reversing the current situation.
“The primary goal is to push our football forward. There needs to be a joint effort to ensure the success of our brand.
“As media officers, you are an asset to your clubs; you should promote the talents you have. You possess the key to unlocking potential. The NPFL board will introduce an award for the top media officer in the league next season.
“You should grasp the structure of the league because numerous club chairmen lack the time to go through the regulations. Always go through the regulations and educate your manager or club chairmen.”