Alia Appoints IMC Interim Management Committee For Lobi Stars

The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Father Hyacinth Iormen Alia, has approved the establishment of an Interim Management Team for Lobi Stars, appointing former club Team Manager Mr. Simon Terver Ikya as Chairman.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, revealed that the newly appointed Interim Management Committee will oversee the activities of Lobi Stars until a comprehensive restructuring of the club is accomplished.

The committee comprises several notable figures, including seasoned sports journalist Uja Emmanuel (Media Director), retired elite Nigerian referee Mr. Harry Yachi (Technical Director), astute marketer Barrister Owocho Adejoh Ogiri, and Mr. Terzungwe Chugh, who will serve as Administrator/Board Secretary.

In the statement, the Governor cautioned against distractions and encouraged all committee members to collaborate effectively in order to achieve success and ensure the club’s return to top-flight football.
Consequently, the Interim Management Committee has been instructed to register the club for the 2025/2026 Nigerian National League (NNL) season without delay.

It is worth noting that Lobi Stars, having spent over two decades in the Nigerian top flight, was relegated to the NNL following disappointing performances in the 2024/2025 NPFL season under the recently dissolved board and management.

In his remarks regarding his appointment, the new Chairman Ikya expressed confidence in his ability to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him, stating that he possesses the necessary knowledge and experience to uphold the trust placed in him by the Governor.

He also committed to working collaboratively with other committee members to restore the club to its former glory.

“I am grateful to His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia, for believing in our capability to lead Lobi Stars,” he said.

Having previously served as Team Manager, Ikya remarked that both Lobi Stars and the broader Nigerian football scene are familiar territories for him.
Calling for a united effort to revitalise the fortunes of Lobi Stars, Ikya pledged to start work immediately.