From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Super Falcons star, Francisca Ordega has expressed optimism that female football players training in Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps could be nurtured into national and international football stars.
Ordega made this remark on Tuesday during a visit to the IDP camp at the International Modern Market in Makurdi.
The footballer, who recently won the 10th title of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, in Morocco, donated food and non-food items to the IDPs, including bags of rice, millet, beans and sanitary pads.
Ordega stated that her donation might not be enough to represent what the displaced persons had lost, but that it was a sign of love and care.
She lamented the Yelewata massacre and the continuous killing of innocent people in Benue State and other parts of the country, describing it as unacceptable.
She disclosed that she decided to identify with the IDPs at the International Modern Market to touch their lives, something she has always done through her foundation.
The Super Falcon star encouraged those at the IDP camp to put behind them, the nasty experience of displacement and forge ahead, reminding them that with determination and hunger for success, they can achieve their dreams.
She also announced the donation of jerseys and footballs to the IDP female soccer team, expressing hope that future Ordega’s would emerge from the team.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Benue State government, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr James Iorpuu expressed appreciation to Ordega and advised young people to emulate her humility and love for community.
