Fashola gives NFF full backing

Posted: Monday, June 13, 2011

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, Saturday expressed his full backing for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in its proven desire to lift Nigerian football to lofty heights in the international arena. Speaking during a courtesy call on him by a delegation of the NFF made up of members of the executive committee and management, at the State House, Marina, Governor Fashola assured the NFF of his best wishes and support.
"Nothing good comes easy, nothing good has ever happened without difficulties, abuse and without insults of all kinds."Those of us who find ourselves in positions of leadership must always realize that we would constantly be harrassed and face challenges from everywhere. Our actions would always bring cynicism, but once we have clear path and clear vision, we should never renege.
"It is the historic and defining things that we do that would always outlive us. People like Isaac Akioye, Sunday Dankaro and Orok Oyo, and other persons that you know more than myself contributed immensely to Nigeria football and their names would never be forgotten.
"One thing I should urge you people to do is to learn to play the politics of the game and to focus on developmental programmes. Don't be distracted from your vision and mission by any present difficulties. Nigerians derive a lot of joy from football."Being at the top is never a right, you have to work hard to remain there. That is why you must keep working hard to give Nigerians positive results from the game.
"I believe you have the experience, youthfulness and the opportunity to make things happen", said Fashola. Earlier, NFF President, Aminu Maigari lauded the much-loved governor saying "you are one State Chief Executive who not only believes in the power of football, but has shown in various ways and convincingly too, how the power of football can be employed to energize a population towards positive, meaningful development".
Also on the delegation were NFF First Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh, Executive Committee Members Barrister Chris Green, Dr. Shehu Adamu, Alhaji Muazu Suleyman, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf, Mr. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, Mr. Felix Anyansi-Agwu and Mr. Deji Tinubu, and NFF Acting General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu.
There were also special assistants to NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and Umar Kontagora, Chief Media Officer, Ademola Olajire and Senior Sports Officer, Christian Emeruwa.
After the visit, the NFF delegation accompanied the 'Action Governor' to the Teslim Balogun Stadium, where Governor Fashola captained the 'Super Eagles All-Stars' in the much-publicized Nwankwo Kanu Testimonial Football Match, in which he actually showed scintillating skills. His team won the match 3-1.