The Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club, Simon Terver Ikya, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to strengthening the Makurdi-based club through the discovery and development of exceptional football talents from grassroots competitions across Benue State.
Ikya made this known during the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Alia/Unongo Zone A Unity Football Competition, held at the Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala. He stressed that his administration remains firmly focused on deploying football as a strategic tool for youth empowerment, self-reliance and sustainable development within Benue State and beyond.
Speaking at the event alongside the club’s Assistant Coach, Benjamin Kude, the Lobi Stars Chairman noted that repositioning the club for sustained success requires a holistic and deliberate approach, particularly in identifying and grooming promising young players into future stars.
He explained that the presence of the coaching crew at the tournament was part of a deliberate scouting exercise aimed at identifying outstanding talents capable of adding value to Lobi Stars.
Ikya further described football as a powerful unifying force, noting that the game has a unique ability to bring people together across social and economic lines.
He applauded the Special Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Fidelis Unongo, for his foresight and leadership in organising the competition, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
According to him, the tournament aligns seamlessly with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia to promote unity, peace and harmonious coexistence across Benue State.
The Lobi Stars Chairman also expressed appreciation to football administrators, stakeholders and dignitaries who graced the historic occasion, including the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Hon. Dr Justin Shaku. He described their presence as a demonstration of shared responsibility and collective commitment to the development of sports and youth in the state.
Ikya charged all participating teams to uphold professionalism and sportsmanship, urging them to play according to the laws of the game and shun all forms of misconduct that could undermine the spirit of the competition.
The tournament got off to an exciting start, with Katsina-Ala City FC recording an emphatic 5–0 victory over Impact FC in the curtain-raiser encounter.
