Alia, Gusau, Shaibu Receive Top BSFA Honours

Alia, Gusau, Shaibu Receive Top BSFA Honours 

By Admin 

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA) on Friday combined its statutory business with a celebration of leadership and football development, as the association conferred its prestigious Chairman's Honours Award on Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia; President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON; and Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The event, attended by football administrators, delegates and stakeholders from across Benue State, also produced a significant political outcome for Nigerian football, with chairmen of football associations in the North Central geopolitical zone unanimously endorsing Gusau for a second term as NFF President.

The BSFA Chairman's Honours Award, the association's highest recognition, is presented to individuals and institutions whose leadership and contributions have significantly advanced football development in Benue State and Nigeria.

Presenting the awards, BSFA Chairman, Chief Dr. Paul Edeh, FCPA, said sustainable football development depends on visionary leadership, strategic investment and strong institutional partnerships.

He noted that the honours were intended to recognize individuals whose commitment to sports continues to strengthen football development and create opportunities for young people.

Governor Alia received the award in recognition of his administration's commitment to youth empowerment through sports and ongoing investments in sports infrastructure. According to the association, the remodelling of the McCarthy Stadium in Makurdi and the Aper Aku Stadium represents one of the state's most significant investments in sports facilities in recent years.

Delegates observed that the projects, when completed, are expected to restore Benue's capacity to host major football competitions, promote grassroots talent development and stimulate economic opportunities linked to sports.

Gusau was honoured for what stakeholders described as reforms introduced since he assumed office as NFF President in 2022. These include the successful amendment of the federation's statutes for the first time in 16 years, increased stakeholder engagement and closer collaboration with state football associations.

The association also highlighted Gusau's longstanding relationship with Benue State, noting that it was the first state he visited officially after assuming office as NFF President and that he has maintained regular engagements with football stakeholders in the state.

Shaibu's recognition reflected his efforts to strengthen technical education and capacity building in Nigerian sports since assuming office as Director General of the National Institute for Sports. The BSFA said nearly 30 coaches from Benue State have undergone specialized training at the institute through sponsorship by the association's chairman.

The association further disclosed that the NIS has agreed to partner with the BSFA to organize coaching development programmes in Benue, a collaboration expected to expand access to technical education and improve coaching standards across the state.

Also honoured at the event was the Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee member representing the North Central Zone, Rt. Hon. Chief Margaret Icheen, in recognition of her contributions to football administration and development.

The BSFA also recognized its Secretary, Dr. Iorngulum Malu Akuraan, for his professionalism and years of service to football administration in the state.

In the private sector category, President of Flight Transport Limited, Comrade Chief Akor Andiir, received an award for his support for grassroots football development, while Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BATOHA Resort, Arc. Apeh Harrison Iwodi, was honoured for his partnership and contributions to football development in Benue State.

The AGM concluded with a vote of confidence in Gusau's leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation.

In a unanimous resolution, chairmen of football associations from the North Central zone endorsed him for a second term as NFF President and pledged to jointly purchase his nomination form ahead of the federation's forthcoming presidential election.

The endorsement was greeted with applause from delegates, highlighting the region's support for his administration and its vision for the future of Nigerian football.

Beyond its statutory agenda, the 2026 BSFA Annual General Meeting served as a platform to recognize leadership, celebrate partnerships and reaffirm Benue State's growing role in football administration and development in Nigeria.