Football
The Executive Governor of
Edo State, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki has praised NFF President Amaju
Pinnick on his bravery, inspired political dexterity and energy, which have
shot him into reckoning in global football administration, while also challenging
the NFF boss to fly the country’s flag with elan and distinction in his new
roles.
At a colourful reception
dinner inside the Festival Hall of the Government House, Benin City on Friday
night, Edo State’s number one citizen also called on the nation’s political and
business leaders to give Pinnick and the NFF immense support to succeed in
taking Nigerian Football to new heights of excellence.
“There is no doubt that
your courage and enterprise is worthy of emulation by persons seeking to break
new grounds in their chosen career. You toiled very hard and never shied away
from committing to your vision even in the face of daunting odds.
“I am delighted that you
have risen so high in global football administration in such a short time. But
I want you to keep a level head and represent the country diligently and
selflessly. It is also important that you ensure we have more Nigerians in FIFA
and CAF,” said Governor Obaseki, who also attended Pinnick’s thanksgiving
service in Warri six weeks ago.
Governor Obaseki also
charged the NFF boss to use his position to correct certain wrongs in the
administration of football in Nigeria and at global level.
Earlier in his address,
the Chairman of the South South Congress, Barrister Chris Green extolled the
virtues of Pinnick as a suave football administrator, saying the South South
region and indeed Nigeria must be proud of him.
In his response, Pinnick
applauded Governor Obaseki for his tremendous support towards the realization
of his dreams of attaining top position in continental and global football
bodies, and assured that he would commit to a life of service and mentoring of
young and ambitious Nigerian administrators in his new roles.
Pinnick was elected a
Member of the Executive Committee of CAF at the 39th Congress of the African
body in Ethiopia on 16th March 2017, few weeks after he was appointed into the
Organizing Committee for FIFA Competitions – one of the most influential panels
in the world ruling body. Penultimate week, he was appointed President of the
Africa Cup of Nations and CAF Media Committees.
Also present at the three
–hour reception were Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, Speaker
of the Edo State House of Assembly, Dr. Justin Okonuoboh, top politicians in
Edo State and members of the Edo State Executive Council.
There were also NFF 1st
Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF Executive Committee members Ibrahim Musa
Gusau, Chris Green, Yusuf Ahmed Fresh and Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, former NFF
President Dominic Oneya, some State FA chairmen led by Edo State FA boss Frank
Ilaboya, former Nigerian international players, former Nigerian coaches Alabi
Aisien, Godwin Izilien and Sebastian Brodricks-Imasuen and other football
stakeholders.
The Nigeria Football
Supporters Club, led by the national chairman, Reverend Samuel Ikpea, added
spice to the occasion. The reception was organized by the South South Congress
and hosted by the Edo State Government.
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