In a momentous event held at the Board Room of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Nasarawa State Football Association Normalisation Committee officially inaugurated the newly elected Boards of the thirteen Local Government Areas of the State. The ceremony was graced by Barr. Haruna Favour Iliyasu, who administered the Oath of Office to the new Board Members.
Hon. Aliyu Bello, the Chairman of the State Football Association Normalisation Committee, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the inaugurated Board Members and urged them to embrace their new roles with utmost dedication. He emphasized the importance of taking football to new heights and expressed gratitude to the Nasarawa State Government for their support in ensuring a fair and successful Council Election.
Dr. Othman Ibrahim Ahmed, Chairman of Nasarawa United FC, encouraged the new Board Members to maintain their passion for the sport and implement policies and programs that foster the development of football at the grassroots level. He emphasized the need to promote unity and inclusivity among stakeholders and cautioned against any actions that could hinder the progress of the game in their respective communities.
Representing the Ministry's Commissioner, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, the Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, praised the efforts of the Normalisation Committee in organizing a seamless Council Election. He assured the new Board Members of the government's unwavering support and commitment to the growth of football and sports in the State. He also emphasized that the State Government had no preferred candidate and urged delegates to vote for individuals who would contribute to the advancement of football in the State.
Mahmud Sidi Lawal, Chairman of the Keffi Football Council, expressed gratitude to the Normalisation Committee and the State Government for ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process. He pledged to work collaboratively with the soon-to-be-constituted Board of the State Football Association to elevate the game to new heights.
The Council Chairmen who were inaugurated include Atu Z. Yepwi(Karu), Hassan Mohammed (Nasarawa), Mahmud Sidi Lawal(Keffi), Aliyu I. Uba(Lafia), Abubakar Gambo(Awe), Nasir Na'Ali(Keana), Usman Aliyu Adela(Doma), Yakubu Abimiku(Nasarawa-Eggon), Salihu Musa(Toto), Usman Kasimu(Akwanga), Oyikiza A. Okposhi(Obi) Matthew Dodo(Kokona) and Abdulmumuni Said(Wamba). Each Chairman was presented with a Certificate of Office by Hon. Aliyu Bello, the Chairman of the Normalisation Committee.
In addition, the Nasarawa State Football Association Normalisation Committee also inaugurated the Electoral and Appeals' Committees for the upcoming State FA Election. The Electoral Committee, led by Barr. Haruna Favour Iliyasu, consists of five members, while the Appeals' Committee, chaired by Barr. Thomas Oboshi, comprises three members.
The ceremony was attended by esteemed members of the State FA Normalization Committee, including former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Othman Bala Adam, Chairperson of Nasarawa Amazons FC and Vice Chairman of the Board of Nigeria Women's Football, Hajiya Hussaina Suleiman Nagogo, Team Manager of Nasarawa United FC, Solomon Babanjah, and other key stakeholders in the State.
As the State FA Election draws near, the Electoral Committee has released a timetable for the process. Screening of aspirants will take place on Thursday, 2nd November, 2023, with the publication of qualified candidates' names to follow. The Appeals Committee will determine appeals by aggrieved aspirants at a later date, and the election itself will be held on Saturday, 4th November, 2023, at Keffi Youth Centre.
Excitement fills the air as the football community in Nasarawa State eagerly awaits the outcome of the State FA Election. With the support of the government and the dedication of the newly inaugurated Boards, the game of football is set to flourish and reach new heights in the State.