By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, Jan. 26, 2025
The Novelty football match between the Executives and the Legislators, organised by the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in honour of Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s one year in office, ended goalless on Sunday at Confluence Stadium Lokoja.
The novelty match was part of activities to add a touch of whimsy to the one-year anniversary in office of Gov. Ahmed Ododo and his Deputy, Elder Joel Salifu’s, slated for January 27, 2025.
The State Executives football team was led by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo as Captain, while that of the State House of Assembly was led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar.
The official kick-off of the match was performed by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, with the Jersey, “Chief Servant of Kogi State”, on behalf of the Governor.
The 20 minutes novelty match which was full of fun and humor, ended in a goalless draw as both teams exhibited determination and endurance to prevent any goals from being scored.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the match, the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, commended both teams for their impressive display of skills during the match.
He noted that the novelty match was organised as part of activities to celebrate Governor Ododo’s one-year anniversary in office, as well as promoting sports development in the state.
The sports’ commissioner expressed his satisfaction with the level of competition displayed by both teams, which he said was comparable to professional football league players.
Anyebe advised the people of the state to often engage in physical exercise in order to keep fit at all times.
Also speaking, Executive team Captain, and State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, expressed delight in the quality of talent on the football field.
Fanwo noted that final score also reflected the mutual respect between the two arms of government in Kogi state.
According to him, the show of sportsmanship and comradeship displayed on the field of play is same off the field as the executive arm of government continued to accord the legislature utmost respect.
The center Refree, Mr Ibrahim Isiaku, commended both teams for their resilience and brilliant performance on the field of play.
End