From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has explained that he revived the abandoned Governor’s Cup Competition to stimulate local economy and talent hunts across the state that will feed Lobi Stars Football Club and the national team.
Governor Alia stated this at the 2024 edition of the tournament open at the J.S. Tarka stadium in Gboko Local Government Area LGA, of the state.
Alia who spoke through the Commissioner for Sports, Youth and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, said he has confidence that the revival of School sports will not only serve as a platform to harness hidden talents, but will also address cases of youth restiveness among other negative vices.
While he noted that there is a greater future in sports development in Benue State, he said it will surely bring back jobs and economic fortunes of the state.
He stated further that the infrastructure being fixed at Aper Aku township stadium Makurdi, the J.S Tarka stadium Gboko, Akume Atongo stadium in Katsina-Ala and at Otukpo LGAs are geared towards improving the economic fortunes of the state.
Governor Alia commended chairmen of the 23 LGs for sponsoring the tournament, and charged referees, youths and other critical stakeholders to key in for the success of the event.
Earlier, chairman of Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Barr. Paul Edeh, lauded Governor Alia for showing interest that account for the revival of the Governor’s Cup after nine years of inactivity.
He explained that the tournament which are in two categories will see both male and female categories taking home N10 million each.
He said assessors have been employed to monitor referees in all centers as any erring one will be penalized.
According to him, eight teams produced from reach centers will feature in Benue league which start next year.
The host chairman of Gboko LGA, Barr. Atoze Yina, described Gboko as a hub of sports, while assuring of safety of all through out the event said the reactivation of the cup is a new dawn that will unearth new players in the state.
Our correspondent reports that Ohimini LGA beat their Gwer West counterpart by two goals to one in the opening match.