Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has said that the revival of the abandoned Governor’s Cup was to stimulate local economy and as well hunt for talents across the state to feed Lobi Stars Football club among other national teams.
Speaking on Sunday at J.S Tarka Stadium,Gboko while declaring the 2024 edition of the Governor’s cup open, the governor said he had seen brighter future in sports development in Benue State.
Governor Alia, who was represented by Commissioner for Sports, Youth and Creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange, noted with confidence that the revival of the competition was not only capable of serving as a platform to harness hidden talents, but would equally address cases of youth restiveness among other negative vices.
The governor insisted that, “this will bring back jobs and economic fortunes of the state”.
He explained, that the infrastructure being fixed at Aper Aku township stadium Makurdi, the J.S Tarka stadium Gboko, Akume Atongo in Katsina-Ala and at Oturkpo are geared towards improved economic fortunes.
Governor Alia, who appreciated the council chairmen for sponsoring the tournament, urged the referees, youths and other critical stakeholders to key in for the success of the fiesta.
The Chairman of Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Paul Edeh in his comment lauded governor Alia for the show of interest that led to the revival of the Governor’s Cup.
The tournament, which the Chairman informed were in two categories added that it would witness both male and female categories taking home N10 million each, even as he revealed that assessors have been employed to monitor referees in all centers as any erring one would be penalized.
According to him eight teams produced from reach centers would feature in Benue league scheduled to start next year, and commended the Sports, Youth and Creativity Commissioner for his steadfastness and appreciated the Council Chairmen for sponsoring the tournament.
The Gboko local Government Chairman, Atoze Yina, while describing Gboko as a hub of sports, informed that the reactivation of the cup was capable of discovering new players in the state and assured of safety through out the engagement in the area.
During the opening match, Ohimini local Government defeated Gwer West by two goals to one.
