Anticipation is high as the inaugural edition of the Corporate Stars League launches in Abuja, featuring eight teams. The event is set to begin on October 19, 2024, with draws held on Wednesday, in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Olumide Aturu, Managing Director of 5Star Consultancy Limited, emphasized the importance of the Corporate Stars League:

“We noticed a gap in the corporate space, and we believe the Corporate Stars League will bring professionals together to relive memories, network, and foster camaraderie.”

Mouktar Ahmed from the National Pension Commission (NPC) shared his enthusiasm, stating the league provides a fun and networking opportunity, adding that sports are integral to NPC’s ecosystem. “When the chance to participate came up, management was fully on board.”

Williams Agbara from MTN expressed their eagerness to participate, stating they aim to showcase their skills and compete for the top spot. Similarly, Labadan Yunusa from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority highlighted how the league fosters connections across sectors, creating relationships that would otherwise be difficult to form.

The event also served as a platform to raise awareness on mental health. Jakpo Ukueku educated attendees on how sports offer an avenue to connect, share, and improve mental well-being.

The league will run from October 19 to November 30, concluding with a gala night, and is expected to open new opportunities for the participating organizations.

Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi, has approved the appointment of Muhammad Barde Zakar as Technical Assistant to the Governor on Sports Development.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State Malam Bala Ibrahim.

Similarly, the Governor has approved the appointments of new Management crew for Jigawa Golden Stars Football Club.

“The appointment is coming as part of His Excellency’s commitments to ensure continued success and growth of the Jigawa Golden Stars Football Club” The SSG said.

The SSG listed the composition of the newly appointed Management crew are as follows:

1. Gambo Umar Labbo – Chairman

2. Engineer Idris Zangi – Vice Chairman

3. Abdulmajid Auwal Ali – Team Manager

4. Baba Garba – Asst. Team Manager

5. Hauwa Garba – Welfare

6. Ado Mato Gwaram – Coach

7. Sabo Abdullahi – FA Representative

8. Ibrahim Isyaku – PRO

9. Dodo Isah – Member

10. Jafaru M. Shu’aibu – Member

11. Abdulkadir Kalla – Member

12. Ali M. Ibrahim – Club Secretary

“Furthermore, as part of his efforts to improve the home-based players confidence in the State, the Governor has also approved the establishment and appointments of the Management crew for Junior Golden Stars (Danmodi Strikers) which will serve as feeder team for Jigawa Golden Stars main team with purely Jigawa State indigenes” the statement said.

Malam Bala Ibrahim said, those appointed as pioneer Management crew of the newly established Junior Golden Stars (Danmodi Strikers) are as follows:

1. Ibrahim Auwal Kwiachiri – Chairman

2. Babangida M. Shalla – Team Manager

3. Hassan Magaji – Welfare

4. Nura Arma Maigatari – Coach

5. Muhammad Ado – Asst. Coach

6. Suleiman Isyaku – PRO

7. Sabo Saleh Gantsa – Member

8. Ibrahim Jibrin – Secretary

The statement further explained that, the new Management Crews have been carefully selected based on merit, competence and experience.

“While congratulating the appointees it is hoped that, they will bring a wealth of knowledge and experiences that will be instrumental in managing and overseeing the affairs of the Clubs” the SSG said.

He disclosed that, the rationale behind the formation of the new Management crew is poised to implement initiatives that will enhance the Golden Star’s performance, attract private sponsorships and increase community involvement in Sports development statewide as well as to provide stability, continuity, crucial for long term success and resilience in line with Governor Malam Umar Namadi vision.

The SSG stated that, the Management Crews are expected to collaborate closely with the State Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture and other stakeholders in the Sports industry to promote the Clubs.

All the appointments take immediate effect.

The Governor of Benue State His Exellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia has set up a forensic audit panel to investigate Lobi Stars Football Club’s finances.

This is due to persistent complaints of non-payment of salaries by players and officials ,despite Government financial obligation to the club.

Governor Alia disclosed this when he received Daniel Amokachi, the new Technical Adviser of the Club at the Government House Makurdi on Tuesday.

Governor Alia praised Amokachi’s international football career and urged him to turn around the fortunes of the club for better.

He also presented him with a branded jersey of the club.

Amokachi thanked the Governor and the people of Benue state for the warmed reception accorded him since he arrived

The former Super Eagles player emphasized the importance of paying players salaries, which he described as a big motivation for team to perform well in the football league .

The forensic audit team consists of experienced auditors:

Mr. Sam Chir, Assistant Director ( auditl,Mr. Bishop Dzungwe, Assistant Director (audit),Mr. Akpusugh Terungwa,Assistant Director ( audit ) and Dr. Gberindyer Abraham Chia ,(AG).

Earlier in his brief remarks Dr. Philip Nongu, Chairman of Lobi Stars FC, said he was in Government House Makurdi to present to the Governor ,the new Technic adviser of the club.