09/06/2026
๐ฆ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ก, ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐๐, ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ข๐ก ๐๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ง ๐ง๐๐ ๐ข๐ฃ๐๐ก๐๐ก๐ ๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐จ-๐ญ๐ต ๐ง๐๐๐๐ก๐ง ๐๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ
..๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ก๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ
My dear esteemed supporters of Lobi Stars Football Club, stakeholders in the football community, members of the media, and the general public,
As part of our commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible football administration, I consider it necessary to provide an update on the activities, achievements, and strategic direction of Lobi Stars Football Club since the current management assumed responsibility for the club.
When this administration took over the affairs of Lobi Stars Football Club, we inherited significant challenges that threatened the stability and growth of the club. These included financial obligations, legal disputes, structural deficiencies, operational setbacks, and declining confidence among supporters and stakeholders. The task before us was enormous, but we accepted the responsibility with a clear determination to rebuild, reposition, and restore the pride of Benue football.
From the outset, we developed a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at addressing immediate concerns while laying a sustainable foundation for the future. Our focus has remained on strengthening football structures, improving administration, promoting accountability, investing in talent development, and creating long-term value for the club and the people of Benue State.
One of the most significant milestones achieved under our administration was the successful return of the club to Makurdi for its home matches. We recognized that playing away from home for an extended period had negatively affected team performance, supporter engagement, and the identity of the club. Through strategic interventions and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, we successfully restored Lobi Stars' presence in Makurdi, reconnecting the team with its passionate supporters and restoring an important aspect of the club's heritage.
The impact of this achievement was reflected in the team's performances on the field. Despite numerous challenges, the club remained competitive and continued to demonstrate the resilience and fighting spirit for which Lobi Stars is known. These improvements were not accidental but the result of deliberate planning, better organization, and enhanced football management practices.
Recognizing the need for institutional renewal, management also undertook strategic restructuring within both the playing squad and technical department. While such decisions are often difficult, they are necessary in building a stronger and more competitive football club. Every successful football institution periodically evaluates its structures and personnel to ensure optimal performance, and Lobi Stars must continue to evolve in line with modern football realities.
We have also made considerable progress in addressing inherited financial and legal liabilities. Through prudent management and sustained engagement with relevant stakeholders, we have worked diligently to settle outstanding obligations and manage legal matters that previously constrained the club's operations. These efforts underscore our commitment to financial responsibility, accountability, and sustainable governance.
Today, I am particularly pleased to announce another major step in our long-term development strategy: the establishment of the Lobi Stars Under-19 Feeder Team.
This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of the club. Across the world, successful football clubs understand that sustainable success is built on effective youth development systems. The Under-19 team will provide a structured pathway for identifying, nurturing, and developing talented young footballers who can eventually progress into the senior team.
Beyond strengthening our football structure, the feeder team will create opportunities for talented youths across Benue State and Nigeria to develop their skills, pursue professional careers, and contribute positively to society. We firmly believe that investing in young people today is the surest way to secure the future success of Lobi Stars Football Club.
In addition to youth development, management is actively pursuing plans for the establishment of a female football team. Modern football administration demands inclusiveness and equal opportunity. Women's football continues to experience remarkable growth globally, and we are determined to position Lobi Stars Football Club to participate meaningfully in that progress. The proposed female team will create opportunities for talented female footballers and further expand the club's contribution to sports development in Benue State.
As we continue this rebuilding process, we recognize that challenges still exist. However, meaningful reform should be measured by the direction of progress rather than the absence of difficulties. Transforming any institution that has experienced prolonged challenges requires patience, consistency, discipline, and collective effort.
The progress achieved thus far demonstrates that the club is moving in the right direction. We have restored important structures, strengthened football operations, addressed inherited liabilities, expanded our developmental vision, and established new pathways for future growth.
While we remain committed to these reforms and long-term developmental initiatives, I wish to assure our supporters and stakeholders that we are equally focused on our immediate footballing objective. Our goal is clear and unwavering: to return Lobi Stars Football Club to the Nigeria Premier Football League at the end of the coming season.
Every decision we are taking todayโfrom restructuring the team and strengthening football operations to investing in youth development through the Under-19 feeder teamโis geared towards building a competitive, disciplined, and sustainable club capable of earning promotion and reclaiming its rightful place among the elite clubs in Nigerian football.
At this juncture, I wish to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State, for the confidence and trust he reposed in me and members of my management team. His decision to entrust us with the responsibility of managing this great club has provided us with the opportunity to serve, and we remain grateful for his unwavering support, encouragement, and commitment to sports development in Benue State.
The Governor's vision for youth empowerment, human capital development, and institutional excellence continues to inspire many of the reforms and initiatives we are implementing today. On behalf of the Board and Management of Lobi Stars Football Club, I assure His Excellency and the good people of Benue State that we do not take this confidence for granted. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, professionalism, and delivering measurable results that will make our state proud.
I therefore call on all supporters, former players, football stakeholders, corporate organizations, members of the media, and the good people of Benue State to continue supporting the club during this important period of transformation. Constructive engagement, unity, and shared commitment will remain essential to achieving our collective aspirations.
The rebuilding process is ongoing. The foundation for sustainable success is being laid. The vision is clear. Our commitment to reform remains strong, and our determination to secure an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League is unwavering.
Together, with the support of His Excellency the Governor, the Government and people of Benue State, our supporters, and all stakeholders, we shall restore Lobi Stars Football Club to its rightful place among the leading football clubs in Nigeria.
Thank you, and God bless Benue State.
Mr. Simon Ikya
Chairman
Lobi Stars Football CLUB.
