The atmosphere in Lafia was buzzed with excitement as people of the state gathered at the Lafia City Stadium to celebrate the birthday of their beloved governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule with a novelty football match.
The match was played on Saturday between “Team AA Sule ” which featured key members of the governor’s cabinet, headed by the Deputy governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe and the State’s Deputy Speaker’s Team captained by RT Hon Mohammed Oyanki, a mix of head of the state government agencies among others.
The stadium was packed, with jubilant fans waving and chanting the governor’s name and as the whistle blew to kick off the match, it was clear that Team AA Sule were come prepared.
The deputy governor, wearing the number 17 jersey, immediately took charge in the midfield, thus in just 3 minutes into the game scored the first goal.The stadium echoed with cheers as he ran to the sidelines to celebrate with his team members, driving the team forward.
Again, in the 15th minute, the deputy governor capitalised on a defensive error, slotting in a low shot that sent the goal keeper, Ibrahim Ibrahim to the opposite direction. The second brought much excitement to fans including Governor Sule who watched with keen interest.
The second half started with team Oyanki trying to make impact, but the deputy governor had other plans as he received a perfectly timed through ball and calmly
passed it over to the commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon Samuel Emgba who then scored the 3rd and final goal, sealing the victory for Team AA Sule.
The match ended 3-0, with the Governor’s Team emerging victorious. The governor himself took to the microphone, thanking everyone for their participation and expressing his joy at such a heartwarming celebration.
Sule said “This match isn’t just about football It’s a testament to our unity and teamwork as a state.
“I think the Deputy Governor was on fire in this game today, even though he would have scored more than the two goals he netted. He is our lethal striker.
“I want to thank Eche Amos and his friends, particularly the one based in Canada, for putting this wonderful event together in my honour.
“Eche has tried to reach me wherever I am in the world. He called me when I was in Dubai with the Vice President of Nigeria; He called me when I was in Saudi Arabia, and he also called me when I was in America, to tell me about this event he is organising with his friends for me.
“I am happy that God Almighty gave me the opportunity to attend this wonderful event even though I was supposed to be holidaying a bit longer, but I can relate better now why he wanted me to attend this event.
“I want to thank all the participants for displaying exceptional skills and sportsmanship throughout the match. May God reward each and everyone of you for celebrating with me.”
In an interview with journalists , coordinator of the event, Eche Amos, said the decision to honour the Governor with the novelty football match was in appreciation of his numerous deeds for humanity and society, describing him as an epitome of excellent leadership.
He thanked Governor Sule for participating in the event despite his busy schedules, promising to continue to support the Governor and his administration in achieving greater heights for the State and its people.
On his part, the sponsor of the novelty football match, President of ASVO FC of Benin Republic and CEO of Byfaith Truck Trailer Repair Incorporated, Canada, Mr Solomon David, represented by Mr Mojeed Ibrahim, lauded the governor for his developmental strides in the area of sports and youth empowerment.
He assured of his continuous partnership with the state government to further empower the youth by offering them greener pasture opportunities around the world.
The event witnessed a grand cake-cutting ceremony at the centre of the pitch, with the deputy governor, among others dignitaries who supported the Governor during the cutting of the cake.
The Voice reports that there was presentation of birthday gifts by the organisers of the event and an award of Merit by Olokigbe Tunde Seun ‘Elite’, a Nigerian-Chinese citizen based in Hong-Kong who also donated a set of jerseys to the All Stars FC of Akwanga which the Governor is the Grand Patron.
