*By*: Isaac Uzaan

The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has promised to make Benue State a sports hub of the nation.

Governor Alia made the promise Friday, August 16, 2024 while declaring open the maiden Summit of Media Directors of the Nigeria Premier Football League Clubs held at Kimbis International Hotel, Makurdi.

The Governor said his administration has already started working to return the glory of sports in the state, adding that they have accepted and granted sponsorship of Independent Organizations in Sports, brought back the Governor's cup in Benue, pay sponsorship for the National Youth Games and also directed that all football pitches in the State, including those in schools be upgraded.

He continued that his administration has also rehabilitated  hostels for athletes, returned the All Secondary School Games in the state, and have been making Prompt payment of salaries of players and staff of Lobi Stars. 

Other things the Governor mentioned included clearance of entitlements of players and staff of Lobi Stars, directing that if any was left it should be drafted to his table immediately,  donation of four brand new vehicles to Lobi Stars, and the massive ongoing rehabilitation work and upgrading of the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.

The Governor said "work was going to begin on the J.S. Tarkar Stadium, Gboko, with a view to bringing back the defunct BCC Lions Football club.

He disclosed the plan of his Government is to tap fully into the sports potentials of Benue youth and expand the State economy through sports.

Governor Alia expressed delight and thanked the Nigeria Premier Football League for choosing Benue State as a place to host the maiden submit for Clubs' media directors, saying Benue is open to welcoming them anytime.

Earlier in their separate remarks, the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Prince Davidson Owumi, and the President of NPFL Media Officers' Forum, Amos Eche, acknowledged the developmental strides of Governor Alia, emphasizing the attention he has given to sports in Benue State.

The group made Governor Alia its 'Grand Patron' in recognition of his efforts in upgrading sports in Benue State.

The Benue State Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange; the Advisor, Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Denis Akura, and the Vice Chairman, Lobi Stars Football Club, Dominic Iorfa, were amongst other dignitaries that were present at the occasion.