The Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has donated four new vehicles to Lobi Stars, to address the transportation challenge of players and officials of the Makurdi based Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side.
The governor who made the donation at the Government House Makurdi, on Wednesday, when players and officials of the team led by the Vice Chairman, Mr. Dominic Iorfa, paid him a courtesy visit, appreciated the club for its wonderful performances in the NPFL so far this season.
He, therefore, urged the team to maintain the momentum throughout the season, promising to ensure that the Aper Aku stadium is upgraded to an international standard before the end of the 2023/2024 Season.
“We thank you so heartily for putting smiles on the faces of 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 good news and I am proud to associate with you all,” said Alia.
Thereafter, the governor presented a 32-seater Toyota Coaster bus, two 18-seater Toyota buses and one Toyota Hilux for use by officials and players of the club.
In addition, Alia directed that the outstanding 12 match bonuses owed to the players be paid without delay just as he donated N5m to the players as a Christmas gift.
Lobi Stars number one goalkeeper, Lucky Abdullahi, who is about to wed his heartthrob got additional N2m and two cows from the governor.
Meanwhile, in their separate remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Club, Mr. Dominic Iorfa and the captain, Daniel Atsaka, while congratulating the governor on his Supreme Court victory, said the club has enjoyed the best welfare packages so far under his administration.
Iorfa said “I am overwhelmed by the huge support of our governor and the confidence reposed in me. That is more than enough for me to excel despite distractions from detractors of the club.”
He called on the people of the state to continue to support the team for more positive results as the season progresses.
The Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, thanked the governor for the donation and promised to ensure that the vehicles are judiciously utilised.
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