Chairman of the Benue State Football Association and President of the Ratels Foundation, Chief Dr. Barrister Paul Edeh Esq., has expressed surprise and immense gratitude following his nomination for the prestigious Newstap/SWAN Five-Star Award.
The recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions to sports development and philanthropy in Nigeria.
Dr. Edeh spoke while receiving the official nomination letter from the organisers in Abuja said the recognition resonates with his ideals and vision for a development and all inclusive society.
Chief Edeh who is the only founder of two women clubs in Nigeria – Naija Ratels and Benue Queens (previously Honey Badgers) said his drive for football was to use it as a veritable tool towards ensuring meaningful engagement of young people, with particular interest in women development.
“My voyage into football and sports generally is nothing but using it as a platform to make an enduring impact. My idea about life is not in acquiring or amassing wealth for personal gains but in touching lives from time to time.
“It is not often that one’s efforts are noticed in such a grand way.
So, I dedicate this nomination to the many lives that sports have impacted, particularly through the work we have done with the Ratels Sports Development Foundation. It is a reminder that the journey to empower others is never in vain. I deeply appreciate Newstap and SWAN for considering me worthy of this honor,” he said.
National President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Isaiah Benjamin, while presenting the nomination letter, commended Dr. Edeh for his unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development and his philanthropic efforts in supporting young athletes and promoting women’s football in Nigeria.
Joined by SWAN National Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, and National Financial Secretary Mrs Ijeoma Peter-Nwanta, Mr. Benjamin said, “Chief Dr. Paul Edeh has set a remarkable standard in sports administration and philanthropy. His contributions, particularly through the Ratels Foundation, have transformed lives and inspired many to pursue their dreams through sports. This nomination is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his selfless service.”
The Five-Star Newstap/SWAN Awards is scheduled to take place on February 27, 2025 in Lagos.
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hycinth Alia and the President of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Remo Stars, Kunle Soname, are among the nominees for the Awards event.
