Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has donated four brand new vehicles to the management of Lobi Stars Football Club (FC) to ease their transportation as they prosecute the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)
The Governor has also approved the payment of 12 months outstanding match bonuses, owed Lobi Stars FC, as part of efforts to motivate the team for higher performance.
In a statement issued to newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday by the Media Team of Lobi Stars, the management said the Governor donated the vehicles to the team at an event held at Government house, Makurdi on Wednesday.
The vehicles that were donated include, a Toyota Hilux for the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the Club, Dominic Iorfa; two 18 Seater Toyota buses for the Technical Crew and other officials of the club, as well as a 32 seater Toyota Coaster bus for the players.
According to the statement, while
performing the ceremony at the Old Banquet hall of Government house, Governor Alia thanked the management, staff and players of Lobi Stars for a superlative performance and the wonderful results they have so far recorded at the NPFL.
The Governor said, “We thank you so heartily for putting smiles on the faces of Benue people. Football is very infectious, whether you are a player, a fan or not, once you hear that Lobi Stars are out there, you are just looking forward to hearing a good news and I am proud to associate with all of you, I thank you for making me and this administration proud.”
Governor Alia who promised to upgrade the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi to international standard, also assured the team that they are most likely to play their matches at the Aper Aku stadium, before the end of the current league season.
He also showered encomiums on the Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode, who doubles as the Chairman of Lobi Stars; the Commissioner, Youths, Sports and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange as well as the VC/CEO of the club, Dominic Iorfa for the cordial working relationship that exist the trio.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode appreciated Governor Alia for the confidence the governor has in him and the VC/CEO to pilot the affairs of the club.
He said, “Your Excellency I want to place on record that in the last seven months that Lobi Stars FC, is under my watch, it has received the greatest support and that is why today we are where we are. To whom much is given, much is expected. Since we came into office all issues we cried out to you, you have responded.”
The Deputy Governor particularly appreciated the VC and CEO of Lobi Stars, Dominic Iorfa for the vast knowledge he possessed in football administration which has been helpful in the growth of the club.
On his part, the State Commissioner, Youths, Sports and Creativity, Rt Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange thanked Governor Alia for his gesture to alleviate the club’s challenges and assured him of the judicious use of the vehicles.
In his remarks, the VC/CEO, Dominic Iorfa thanked the Governor and his Deputy for trusting him to lead Lobi Stars, and promised to remain loyal and supportive to the Alia led administration.
Furthermore, he presented two pairs of Jersey to Governor Alia and his Deputy carrying inscriptions of Alia 01, and Ode 02, respectively.
The team Captain of Lobi Stars FC, Daniel Atsaka, on behalf of the players congratulated Governor Alia and his Deputy, Barr Ode, for their victory at the Supreme Court.
He also appreciated them for their consistent support to the club, in terms of prompt payment of salaries and for providing a conducive environment for them, adding that the team will not disappoint the state.
Governor Alia also doled out two cows and an undisclosed cash donation to the goalkeeper of the club, Lucky Abdullahi, as part of his government contribution for his forthcoming wedding. End.
