A leading contender in the forthcoming elections into the Benue State Football Association, Barrister Paul Edeh, has pledged to adopt FIFA’s Forward Programme to develop football in the north-central state.
FIFA Forward is an initiative of the world football governing body based on three principles of more investment, more impact, and more oversight to develop and support football across the globe.
Addressing a press conference yesterday, the sports philanthropist said his vision for the Benue FA is aptly captured in three the tripod of football development as designed by FIFA.
“My vision for Benue FA is anchored on a tripod encapsulated in the FIFA Forward Programme 3.0 namely, increased investment in football development, more impact through the achievement of football development objectives, and continued oversight to ensure that all funds are used responsibly.
“I am keen about raising funds to execute football development programmes in the State. As an FA Chairman, I’ll ensure that funds are raised to execute impactful programmes, and ensure that accountability is our watchword.
“When philanthropists, corporate organisations, the state government, and private individuals give support, they expect that such funds are used for the purpose that it was intended for. Under my watch, we will and must account for every money that we received,” said Edeh.
The proprietor of leading female football clubs, Naija Ratels and Honey Badgers, also promised to empower the 23 football Councils in the state to engender grassroots development.
“Under my watch, I will ensure that the Local FAs are empowered and given what is due to them. The Board under my watch will advocate that each Local FA develops its framework for developing the game in their local communities. I will see how local FAs will operate with so much vigour and commitment to develop the game at the grassroots.
Edeh, who expressed concern over the abandoned Benue State Governor’s Cup also vowed to resuscitate the grassroots competition as he said, “When I become FA chairman, the first thing I will do is to seek and crave the indulgence of our brand-new Governor for the FA to sponsor and organise the competition this year.
“We must not always seek to collect from the government, we should also seek to give back,” he advised.
The Benue State FA election is scheduled for Saturday, June 17.
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