By Mfon Patrick
The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been inducted as the Grand Patron of Nigeria Premier Football League Media Directors’ Forum.
Governor Alia was formally inducted on Friday, 16th August, 2024, after officially declaring a two-day NPFL Clubs’ Media Directors’ Seminar and Workshop open at Kimbis International Hotels, in Makurdi, the State Capital.
The President of the NPFL Media Directors’ Forum, Eche Amos, on behalf of the group, conducted the induction ceremony and also presented an Award of Excellence to the Governor in recognition of his contributions to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, we are delighted that the maiden edition of the NPFL Media Directors’ Seminar is taking place in your State and you are our first host.
“Your Excellency, we sincerely commend you for accepting to host this Seminar despite the short notice.
“Since we arrived in Makurdi, we have had a wonderful time in this State and we want to specifically thank the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, as well as the Executive Vice Chairman of Lobi Stars FC, Dominic Iorfa, for accommodating and providing all needed logistics for the success of this seminar.
“Having enjoyed your support, we the Executive and members of NPFL Media Directors’ Forum unanimously agreed to celebrate Your Excellency with this ‘Award of Excellence’ and also to humbly appeal that you accept our request to be the ‘Grand Patron’ of the NPFL Media Directors’ Forum.
“Once again, thank you for accepting us and for all your contributions towards the development of sports in Benue state”.
In his response, Governor Hyacinth Alia congratulated the NFF and NPFL for organizing a capacity building Seminar for the Media Directors and said he was delighted to host the Seminar in Benue State.
The Governor expressed his administration’s commitment to invest in sports development in the State and Nigeria in general.
He also thanked the Media Directors’ Forum for inducting him as their ‘Grand Patron’, promising to give the group all the necessary support in their future endeavours.
“Our administration is committed to restoring the glory of sports in Benue State. We have already taken significant steps, including reviving the Governor’s Cup and sponsoring our athletes for National Sports Events.
“We are rehabilitating our Athletes’ Hostels, ensuring prompt payment of salaries and allowances for Lobi Stars players and staff, and have equally donated four new vehicles to the Club to ease mobility challenges.
“Additionally, we are undertaking major renovations and upgrade of the Aper Aku Stadium to meet international standards. The upgrading of J.S. Tarka Stadium and the revival of BCC Lions Football Club are also underway.
“We are dedicated to harnessing the full potential of our youth and boosting our economy through sports.
“Let me appreciate the Media Directors Forum for inducting me as the Grand Patron, I really appreciate this honour from this special group today.
“I want to assure the Media Directors’ Forum that I will do all within my capacity as the Grand Patron to support your programmes and activities”.
