November 29, (THEWILL) – Sports enthusiasts in Benue State have lauded the revival of the long-abandoned Benue Governor’s Cup competition, describing it as a significant achievement of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
The Governor’s Cup, a once-prominent platform for discovering hidden talents across the state, had been neglected for over nine years. Its revival is being hailed as a critical step toward youth engagement, talent discovery, and community development.
Speaking on the development, the Benue State Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Hembadoon Orsar, praised the Alia administration for rekindling the competition, which she described as a historic feat.
“As you can see, the four playing centers are buzzing with activity, with youths showcasing their talents, market women making brisk sales, and spectators immersing themselves in the excitement, thereby reducing crime and creating a positive atmosphere,” Orsar noted.
She further assured SWAN’s commitment to providing comprehensive coverage of the state’s sports sector, emphasising that efforts to upgrade the Aper Aku Township Stadium to international standards reflect the administration’s dedication to sports development.
Similarly, soccer enthusiast Simon Gbakor expressed optimism that the tournament would unearth talents capable of enriching the Lobi Stars Football Club and contributing to national and international soccer.
He urged the Alia administration and local council chairmen to sustain the competition’s sponsorship to ensure its long-term impact.
Gbakor also commended Alia’s plans to upgrade local stadiums in Gboko, Katsina-Ala, and Otukpo, describing the initiative as a move that would enhance talent discovery in rural areas and bolster grassroots sports development.
The reactivation of the Benue Governor’s Cup has reignited enthusiasm for sports across the state, with many applauding the administration for leveraging sports as a tool for youth empowerment and community building.
