Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki at the Government House Benin City has received the victorious Nigerian Women Football League NWFL premiership Champions for 2023/24 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
In red carpet reception organized by the State government for the historic champions, the ‘Wake and See’ Governor showered encomiums and cash on the entire team for doing the State proud.
He maintained that the good people of Edo State were proud of their performance, adding that he will continue to support the drive in human capital development particularly in sports and other facet of youth development.
Addressing the gold winning team during the grand reception, he said:
“I don’t know where to start, for seeing us celebrate champions for who I just feel of gratitude to God, because when I just came into office eight years ago, we could not have imagined a day like this. There was no hope for Edo girls and Edo women, everybody wanted to travel, there was no sense of hope or direction”.
“To look back today at the eve if my departure to see that these girls are now champions. You cannot imagine the fulfilment I have and appreciation to God. That is why I don’t bother when you hear people talking nonsense about what they do not know, we have no regrets, the money that was there that was never used for our people that is the money we have turned around to work for the people”.
“People stood to press us down to diminish us for the past eight and by the grace of God, for the last eight years, there has been one fight or the other to overcome them, and by His grace we would overcome them. Another election is coming and they will have no place, because when they come, they would take us back to where we use to be.”
“You have creditably well, it’s not magic, we have money but when people steal the money, will it be there to invest in young people, so is about Government under taking his responsibility by using government money to develop the people and develop the place. This afternoon, as you celebrate your victory, we should also celebrate God for given us that grace to turn Edo around”.
“I want to tell you all who have made this journey possible, specially the supporters because if you are working hard, people must be out there to support you, that is to show that what you are doing mean something”.
“We would continue to support you, I do not only want you to go represent Nigeria but we want you girls to go to the continental and win the trophy for Edo State and Nigeria”.
As an appreciation to the champions, he announced a cash reward of one million to each player of Edo Queens, five million to the technical crew, and five million to all the backroom staff. While the female supporters club gets 2. 5 million and a brand new bus to Bendel Insurance FC supporters club.
The first lady Dr. Mrs. Betsy Obaseki also praised the team for their excellent performance at the event, she urged them not to rest in their oar while also tasking them to go to the continent and conquer, stressing that she will continue to throw her weight behind the Girl- Child innovative programmes.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola
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