By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has restated its readiness to partner with corporate organisations and individuals willing to carry out sports activities in the state without hindrance.
Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Mr. Tiza Imojime, gave the assurance when he received Benue-born Super Eagles player, Moses Simon, who paid a courtesy visit to his office at the Benue State Secretariat yesterday in Makurdi.
Imojime commended Simon for remembering to give back to his state, describing the Super Eagles player as someone always willing to improve the lives of those around him.
He acknowledged Simon’s efforts in encouraging others to grow, advising Benue citizens in other fields to emulate the Super Eagles player.
The commissioner drew parallels between Simon’s gesture and a loving father playing on the same football field with his son, referencing Frederick Benjamin, a product of Moses’ academy who is now playing alongside his mentor.
“It is gratifying to see another international player, Frederick Benjamin, who passed out from Moses’ academy playing on the same spot and pitch with his mentor,” Imojime said.
Imojime described Simon as someone who wants to see others grow, not just himself, and expressed appreciation for the player’s commitment to his roots.
He revealed that the Alia administration has prioritized youth development and promised to maintain an open-door policy to individuals and organisations willing to contribute to sports development in the state.
On behalf of the state government, Imojime extended a warm welcome to Simon’s delegation and assured them of support.
He advised participants to play with commitment and promised to take the opening kick as requested by the organisers, adding that a surprise package awaits the best player of the tournament.
In a speech, Moses Simon said he visited the ministry to inform the commissioner about a tournament organised by his football academy in collaboration with the Benue State Football Association, supported by the French Embassy in Nigeria.
The tournament, tagged Moses Simon Under-15 competition, features academies from various local government areas across the state.
Eight teams from Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo, Agatu, and Ukum, along with teams from Simon’s Kaduna academy and Nasarawa, will participate in the tournament.
Simon further explained that the aim is to identify and select young players who will receive further training in his Kaduna academy and potentially be sent to clubs abroad.
“We have provided 100 balls, jerseys, and prize money for the winners. We appeal to the Benue State Government to grant official endorsement of the event,” Simon said, expressing optimism that the players will make a living from football.
Simon cited Frederick Benjamin’s success story as an example of what participants could achieve and advised them to take the competition seriously.
