By Ikhili Ebalu , Benin City
As Edo State Football Association gets set for a fresh election into the board,the immediate past president of Edo All Stars Johnbull Ekhorutomwan Edosomwan and one time board member of the State FA an aspirant for the number one juicy position has said that he will use his worth of experience to usher new development into Edo FA if given the mandate.
He stated this while fielding questions from sports journalists at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium yesterday. He added that the present situation of Edo FA calls for a fresh leadership who knows what it takes to manage football and also compliment the efforts of the State government in making Edo State the warehouse of football players as it used to be in the past.
He added that his four point agenda will include: Transparency and Accountability, Visionary leadership, Grassroot/ youth development via constant participation in competitions and addressing football culture and anti- football vices.
“As a former board member of this great FA, I don’t need a prophet to that there is a lot to be done to reposition our FA, you all know that football has become a global business and the World has changed into a global village. So for Edo FA to meet with the growing demand of our upcoming football players across the State, we need a vibrant leadership who is highly knowledgeable in football administration to pilot the affairs of our FA. I’m not saying that the present leadership has failed, the Rolland Abu-led FA have done their best, but there is need for more. Football these days has gone global and some countries have invested on it heavily knowing that is the fastest means of boosting the economy of youths. Football have turned around the fortune of many families across the globe. For us in Edo State, I think it is time we key into the system and life much more better for our young upcoming footballers.”
“I have all it takes to take Edo State FA to it’s peak. I will ensure that we have official Website which can make people know our programmes and activities, I will use my links to bring in cooperate organizations for sponsorship, we will inaugurate a strong marketing department to bring in good sponsors. I will also run an open door policy, formulate a new strategy to involve private sector in the affairs of the association.
Grassroot competition will be our top priority. No football family in will be neglected, we shall Cary every stakeholder along without discrimination”.
“Anyone in doubt of my capacity, credibility and competency should go into record and see what I did for the board during my time, and also my achievements as the immediate past president of Edo All Stars. I am a true dedicated sports man who has never been arrested, jailed or charge to court for any criminal offence both home and abroad. If given the mandate, I promise that I will change the narratives of Edo FA and also help to support the State government in their dream and vision to return Edo State to the home of sports as it has been in the past.