Newly sworn-in chairman of Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Paul Edeh, has redeemed the N10 million he pledged as a take-off grant to the association and also donated a Toyota Sienna bus to the BSFA.
Edeh, at the weekend in Makurdi, announced the donations while delivering his inaugural speech to the BSFA congress, comprising 23 football council chairmen and secretaries, as well as other stakeholders.
The football administrator, who is also president Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), shortly after his inauguration, led the BSFA board on a courtesy visit to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
Addressing the state’s Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, who represented the governor, Edeh outlined the new board’s operational vision, which hinged on grassroots football development.
He said: “Our Vision for the BSFA is to run an investment-driven, self-sustaining and impactful football association committed to fair play, accountability and focus on grassroots football development in pursuit of FIFA, CAF and NFF mandates.
“Our mission, as an FA, is to effectively oversee and administer football in all ramifications in Benue State in the most transparent and accountable manner to eradicate all opportunities for corruption and ensure that the rule of law is respected.
“My administration shall be tailored around support for football development at the grassroots through the various local FAs and affiliate members, comprising the Coaches Association, Referees Association, Players Union and the four Leagues.”
Edeh also re-echoed the promise that his leadership would be anchored around the FIFA Forward Project based on three principles – increased investment in football development, more impact through the achievement of football development objectives and continued oversight to ensure that all funds are used responsibly.
He appealed to the state government to mandate all local councils’ chairmen to provide a land for at least a mini stadium in their localities.
While underscoring the import of sports, particularly, football in taming insecurity, Edeh requested for provision of working facilities, including buses at the councils.
Responding on behalf of the governor, Ode congratulated and commended the new BSFA board for taking immediate developmental initiatives, while affirming that their emergence was clear evidence that the delegates have confidence on them.
The deputy governor disclosed that an executive bill aimed at ensuring that contractors and corporate organisations paid a certain percentage of tax specifically for sports development in the state would soon be sent for legislative processes and approval.
He said the new proposed tax inflow for sports bill, when passed into law, would go a long way in addressing the deficits in sports developments.
Ode tasked the FA board to redouble their efforts in the discharge of their duties.
In the new BSFA delegation to the governor’s office were vice chairman, Alex Awunah Ioryoosu, Avungu Jeremiah, Akaasar Marcel, Torluam Terungwa Samuel, Virginia Mbazan Kpindi, Moses Lubem Ukpo, Andiir Solomon Atoo, Francis Ijiga Eche, Godwin Oihi Akpa and Unwanyi Ulegede.
