Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has described Lafia All Stars Football Club as a formidable force that can trigger transformation in the society.
The Governor made the statement recently when he received members of the Club who were on a thank-you-visit to him at the Government House, Lafia.
The governor described the visit as remarkable, “This is a fantastic honour done to me by the Lafia All Stars FC”,
“From the speech of your Chairman, you are providing the best platform for those who are coming up, and you are also showing good examples by uniting people from different backgrounds, despite operating in Lafia.
“I am impressed by the calibre of people that make up the All Stars.
“The aspects of social cohesion and youth development you talked about are very vital.
“Despite shouldering all these responsibilities, you still have enough time to help one another – to me, that’s what life is all about.”
The State’s number one citizen applauded the leadership of the All Stars FC for winning the bid to host the 2022 Gamji Northern Nigeria Veterans’ Football Tournament in Lafia.
“I congratulate you for bringing the Northern Veterans’ Football Competition to Nasarawa State.
“From what your Chairman said, four additional States outside the nineteen Northern States and F.C.T, Abuja, have also indicated interest to partake in the competition, which eventually makes it a national tournament.
“Honestly, this is a wonderful development as it is the exact love and unity we have been talking about.
“Sports unite people, encourage peaceful coexistence, break barriers and bring development, and all these are parts of our administration’s constant and deliberate efforts to take the State and her citizens to the front lines in all aspects of human endeavours.
“As a Government, whatsoever support you need to make the forthcoming event a success, we will be there for you.”
Speaking earlier, leader of the delegation, Isiaku Garba Jibrin, disclosed the essence of the visit.
“Our main reasons of being here are specifically to thank Your Excellency, the Government of Nasarawa State, and to identify with you for many benefits.
“Firstly, our members have been given opportunities to be parts of your Government in various capacities. We have Commissioners, both present and past; Advisers and SSAs; the FA Chairman in the State; two coaches from Nasarawa United FC, and so on.
“We also are here to thank you for your support to us to host the Gamji Northern Veterans’ Football Tournament which comes up between the first and second week of November, 2022.
“We are the current runners-up team at the last edition held in Makurdi, Benue State, in 2021.
“We are glad that each time our issues get to your table, they are handled speedily.
“But for your efforts in peace-building and uniting the people and making the environment friendly, no one would be able to operate freely.
“Finally, we wish to pledge that we will do all that we can to make you smile on the forthcoming election day.”
The State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Amb. Lucky Isaac Yargwa, had led members of the Lafia All Stars FC to the Governor.
Among the Government officials present at the ceremony were Barr. Muhammed Ubandoma-Aliyu(SSG), Hon. Yakubu Mohammed Lawal(Commissioner, Information, Hon. Tanimu Tancy Al-Makura(Commissioner, Lands and Urban Development), Culture and Tourism), and Hon. Aliyu Bello(State’s Secretary, APC).
The Governor was presented with the trophy the Club won in their last tournament in Makurdi, customised souvenir jersey and face cap of the Lafia All Stars and was confirmed as Grand Patron of the Club.
/Eche Amos
