The Lobi Stars Football Club received four brand-new cars on Wednesday from Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the governor of Benue State, to improve their mobility and address the difficulties they encountered travelling to honour games.
Governor Alia praised the management, staff, and players during the celebration, which was held in the Old Banquet Hall of Government House in Makurdi, for the fantastic outcomes they had thus far achieved.
“We thank you so heartily for putting smiles on the 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 am proud to associates with all of you, I thank you for making me and this administration proud”. Governor Alia maintained.
One Toyota Hilux, two 18-seater Toyota buses, and a 32-seater Toyota Coaster bus are among the donated vehicles.
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Later, the Governor presented two cows and a monetary payment to Lucky Abdullahi, the goalie for Lobi Stars, who is shortly to tie the knot, as part of his government-mandated token of appreciation.
In a related move, the Governor authorised the Club to receive a 12-month outstanding match bonus in an attempt to inspire the team.
Gov. Alia pledged to bring Aper Aku Stadium up to international standards and assured the whole team that all of their games will be played there before the current season ended.
The Governor specifically complimented Dominic Iorfa, the club’s vice chairman and chief executive officer, and His Deputy, Barr Sam Ode, the commissioner for youth, sports, and creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyiange, for their cordial working relationships.
During his speech, Deputy Governor Barr. Sam Ode expressed gratitude to the Governor for entrusting him and the VC with the club’s management.
“Your Excellency I want to place it on record that in the last seven months and few days that Lobi Stars Football Club 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” Ode stated.
Barr Ode also complimented Mr. Iorfa, the VC, for his extensive expertise in football administration, which has aided in the club’s expansion.
The Youths, Sports Creativity Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, thanked Governor Alia for his effort to ease the club’s challenge and assured him of their prudent use when presenting the keys to the VC on behalf of the Government.
The VC/CEO responded by thanking the Governor and his Deputy for putting their faith in him to run Lobi Stars and vowed to stick by and support his administration. Governor Alia and his deputy were given two pairs of jerseys by Mr Iorfa, with the inscriptions Ode 02 and Alia 01 on them.
In his remarks on behalf of the players, team captain Daniel Atsaka congratulated the Governor and his deputy on their Supreme Court victory.
He also thanked them for their continuous support in providing timely salary payments and a supportive environment, promising not to let them down.
The giving of the car keys to the VC and the presentation of jerseys to the Governor and his deputy were the highlights of the occasion.