The proprietor of the Nigeria Women Football League side Naija Ratel FC, Barr. Paul Edeh, has officially declared his intention to contest for the Chairmanship position in the forthcoming Benue State Football Association (FA) elections.
The philanthropist and president of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), who had picked his nomination form, told stakeholders, mostly chairmen and secretaries of various local government football council in the state that his desire to lead Benue FA was anchored on competence and commitment to further drive grassroots football development. The RSDF boss has been sponsoring the state FA football league for years.
“I’m not in the race to exploit the system but to make an endearing impact. Our incumbent chairperson has been very visionary about football development and it’s my desire to advance her impactful steps in the next dispensation.
“I have come to serve and not to be served. I have come to collaborate with stakeholders to move football forward. My regular thoughts and how a progressive model should be is that football development runs from bottom to top.
“Benue from ages has budding talents in various communities and it’s our duty to fish them out. We will work with referees and coaches as well as others by organising refresher training, just as we encourage many to attend courses that will help them improve themselves in their chosen vocation and profession.
“Football all over the world has become big business. The federal government having this understanding recently came up with the 10-year football master plan and it’s our responsibility to find creative ways to uplift football in Benue state.
“Most of you may not be aware that the current drive of the Nigeria Football Federation is anchored towards grassroots football development. This means that all the attention is focused on you being administrators at the local councils, as the core anchor of football development,” Edeh said.
Reacting, some of the stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the vision and capacity of Barr. Edeh, assuring him of their full support.
The meeting of the stakeholders held in Makurdi at the weekend was preceded with a formal inauguration of elected chairmen for all the local government football councils in Benue State.
