By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Aspiring and Elite Referees of the Federal Capital Territory Football Referees Council (FCTFRC), have been admonished to stay disciplined, focus, trustworthy, and train regularly if they are to reach the pinnacle of their careers.
These words of advice, were contained in a goodwill message, given by a former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA), His Royal Majesty, Oba Alayeluwa Moroof Oyekunle Atanda Amodu-Tijani Oluwa; at the very first monthly Keep-fit exercise of the FCT Council, held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Old Parade Ground, in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
Oba Moroof Oluwa, who is now the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom of Lagos; also reminded aspiring Referees, to learn to be courteous, and respect all Sporting authorities, including their trainers and instructors; without whom they may never reach the lofty heights they so desire.
“I was made aware of today’s Keep-fit, not long ago, and being that I am in Abuja for a social function; I deemed it right to be here with you, even for an hour; because FCT is my beloved Council. Simply put, I will be glad if we can continue to excel and dominate refereeing in Nigeria, in all positive ramifications” he said.
At present, the FCT Council boasts two FIFA badges arbiters – Referee Hannah Eliagu, and Assistant Referee Beauty Terra-Kabeda; fifteen NPFL Referees and Assistant Referees; as well as many others, in the National League, and Women’s League; and Oba Moroof Oluwa said he is pleased that none of them have had the misfortune of being stood down, for poor officiating.
His Royal Majesty, also commended the elders of the council, for their untiring efforts in grooming the Referees of today and the future; and paid glowing tributes to three of such men, Deacon Ansa Aye Henshaw, Ogbuefi Ernest Ohanusi, and Elder Edem Udofia (who were all former General Secretaries of the Council), for finding time to attend the exercise, and mentoring the younger members.
