Pictures: Edeh doles out cash, jerseys, balls for Ter Makurdi Unity Cup

The Chairman of Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Barr. Paul Edeh, Friday, donated 11 top quality branded balls, undisclosed cash and jerseys for the upcoming Ter Makurdi Cup scheduled for all council wards within the state capital.

Barr. Edeh announced the donation while on a courtesy visit to the palace of Traditional Ruler of Makurdi metropolis, His Royal Majesty, Chief Vincent Aule, Ter Makurdi.

The Benue FA chairman who immediately presented the balls to Ter Makurdi declared that henceforth the affiliation fees for the proposed tournament and indeed all other football competitions being hosted by any of the Paramount and Traditional Rulers in the state have been waved.

While recalling the various moves made so far by the current leadership of BSFA since inception, including royal visits to Tor Tiv and Och’ Idoma who are now both Grand Patron and Patron of the State FA, Barr. Edeh said, “We believe that the involvement of traditional rulers in football will act as major catalyst in boosting football development in the state. When you talk of football, it draws key attention of especially youths in the society.

“Football helps to fight crime with a view to empowering the youth. I therefore congratulate His Royal Majesty, Ter Makurdi, for toeing the path of engaging the youth within the 11 wards in Makurdi. One assurance I want to give to you is that as an FA, we will support you all the way beyond waving the affiliation fee for the tournament.

“Also, we are extending same gesture to all Paramount and Traditional Ruler’s hosted football tournaments in Benue State.”

Responding, the Ter Makurdi said he intends to organise the competition as a tool to unite the various tribes within his domain.

He said, “The reason I’m organising this competition is to bring all the wards together and by extension all the tribes, because gootball unites and brings people together.

“The day the tournament will start, we will invite a Catholic priest or Pentecostal Pastor to speak to the youth on the importance of what we are doing. If you go round the 11 council wards, all the tribes in Nigeria are represented within.”

He passionately commended the BSFA Chairman for his sincere commitment in impacting lives, adding, “We want to thank you for all you are doing for the traditional institution and the entire people of Benue state. It’s only God that will reward you.”

The date for the tournament’s kick-off, planned for 2024, will later be disclosed by the Ter Makurdi palace.