Governor Alia Donates 4 Vehicles To Lobi Stars FC

Published

1 year ago

January 11, 2024

Joel Ajayi

As part of his determination to ease the transportation challenges of the Lobi Stars football club of Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia has donated four vehicles to the Football Club.]

This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula on Thursday in Makurdi.

He said that the governor donated when players and team officials led by its Vice Chairman, Mr Dominic Iorfa, visited to appreciate him for his support.

Alia commanded the club for the wonderful performances it has recorded in the ongoing Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) so far this season.

“The excellent results the team has achieved have put smiles on the faces of many Benue people,“he said.

He urged the team to maintain the momentum throughout the season and promised to upgrade the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi to international standard before the end of the season.

The governor said that the upgrade would enable the team to start playing their home matches in Makurdi.

He described the group of players as the best and promised to continue to motivate them.

Earlier, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club, Barr. Sam Ode, thanked Alia for the support given to the club so far.

The deputy governor said that the support had resulted in the team’s successes in the ongoing NPFL Season.

He appreciated the Vice Chairman, Dominic Iorfa, for the work and energy he has put into the club, and described him as a sports enigma.

Ode said in spite of all the skepticism surrounding the club at the beginning of the season, he propelled the club to the top, challenging for top honors in the country.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Club, Iorfa, and the Club captain, Daniel Atsaka, congratulated the governor on his Supreme Court victory.

They acknowledged that the club has enjoyed the best welfare packages so far under his administration.

They called on the people of the State to continue to support the team for more positive results as the season progresses.

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No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

3 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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