Okowa commends Buhari for wading into NFF crisis

The Executive Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Authur Okowa yesterday lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for intervening in the Nigeria Football Federation crisis which could have resulted to the country being suspended by the world football governing body, FIFA.
The number one citizen of Delta gave this commendation when Members of the NFF Executive Committee paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Asaba, to appreciate him for his support for Nigerian Football and the positive investment in hosting the African Senior Athletics Championship, starting in Asaba the same day.
“President Buhari’s intervention was in the very best interest of Nigeria, and those of us who appreciate the power and essence of sport will continue to commend him.
He saved Nigeria’s image and saved our country from untoward consequences,” Governor Okowa said.
“I insist that Nigeria as a country and those in important positions, as individuals, must make it a duty to constantly promote, project and encourage our own shining stars, our best materials.
The President of NFF, Mr.
Amaju Melvin Pinnick is a shining star of this country who has attained a position (1st Vice Presidency of CAF) that no other Nigerian before him has attained.
We have a responsibility to protect and promote him to reach even higher heights.
“I am saying this not just because Pinnick is a worthy son of Delta State; I am saying this because he is now a global citizen deserving of our encouragement and love.
As a nation, we should project our best in every field so that they can reach the zenith of their careers.
I am looking forward to Pinnick becoming the President of CAF in a few years.” Governor Okowa affirmed that sport serves the purposes of keeping healthy, winning laurels and making money, and that a sport –passionate nation like Nigeria deserves a rich assemblage of visionary and dedicated football administrators as can be seen in the present NFF Executive Committee led by Pinnick.
Speaking earlier, NFF 1st Vice President Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, and afterwards Pinnick, commended Governor Okowa for his support and encouragement of sport in Delta State.
Akinwunmi, also a Member of the CAF Youth Competitions Committee, said other States should emulate Delta State in support of sport programmes as sport encouragement amounts to youth empowerment.
Pinnick, a former Delta FA Chairman and one –time Executive Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, praised Governor Okowa’s vision in the construction of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, while heaping encomiums on other Governors who have continued to encourage, support and promote football, nay sports in their different States across the Federation.
Also present at the occasion were Members of the Delta State Executive Council, as well as NFF Executive Committee members.