The Continental American Football League (CAFL), of Africa is to establish a football academy in Makurdi aim at fishing out hidden talents in Benue State. Commissioner of CAFL, Mohammed EL Mohammed who made the disclosure on Wednesday in Makurdi at a news conference, described Benue as a destination of potentials that when tapped would feed Nigeria and the world sporting arena.
According to him, the decision to introduce the CAFL football league in the state in March next year, and Nigeria at large, was to draw football closer to Nigerians at home, saying Benue state government had given it nod for a proper takeoff of the scheme in the state.
Mr Mohammed explained that, the state government is expected to create an enabling environment such as provision of playing pitches and security without any financial assistance for a takeoff.Speaking on benefits, Commissioner Mohammed, said clinics will be built, tain sports therapists will be available to attend to players with injuries in the course of engagement.
“Benue is a home of talents yet to be fully harnessed hence the need to tap from it for the good of the people. Families economic well-being will be enhenced”, Mohammed stated.
In his remarks, Head, Marketing at the Benue Television, Mr Michael Awua, noted that a new vision has birthed in Benue, saying with the coming, the long tradition that it all start in Lagos and end in Abuja has been broken.
While welcoming CAFL in the state, Mr Awua, challenged Benue community to take the opportunity seriously, assuring of media partnership to ensure adequate success of the programme.
Speaking, Director of Sports at Benue State Sports Council, Dr Iorngurum Malu, commended the management of CAFL for showing interest in the sporting sector in the state, saying governor Hyacinth Alia has the passion and would create an environment for the success of the scheme in the state.
The chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber and State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Hembadoon Orsar, all commended the CAFL management for involving the media right from the takeoff stage.
Both Ugber and Orsar, assured that Benue journalists would work in partnership with CAFL to realize the set objectives of talent hunts in the state.
In a vote of thanks, Bishop Sam Praise, noted that the event was beyond a Media show but it is for real, and call for support from every well meaning persons so as to achieve the set purpose.
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