Brig-Gen Habila’s 20-Year Scorecard: Quiet Philanthropy Fueling Nigerian Grassroots Football
Oru Leonard
For over 20 years, Brigadier-General Yahaya Pela Habila has been a silent but steady pillar of football development in Nigeria. A senior officer of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps and current Director of Budget, Army Headquarters, Habila is a decorated soldier with the Distinguished Service Star, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star and several Operational Medals.
Beyond the military, his passion for football has left a clear footprint from the barracks to the national stage. He sponsored the Dragon Football Competition for youths during his tour of duty at 82 Division, Enugu, and has funded several other grassroots tournaments across the country. His support has also included direct donations to players, coaches and clubs, and welfare for families of deceased football personalities.
Habila was a key backer of Gombe United FC during their run to the Federation Cup finals in 2012 and 2013. He supported Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi with logistics equipment and extended assistance to the family of the club’s late coach, Solomon Ogbeide. At Enugu, he was a major source of motivation for Rangers International.
He has also facilitated foreign opportunities for young Nigerian footballers, helping many secure clubs abroad without demanding anything in return.
Football agent Chukwuma Udofia Ayaya described him as selfless: “He is the type of person we need in Nigerian football. He has so much passion for the game. He has helped many players realize their dreams and never asked for any return.”
Commissioned as Second Lieutenant in September 1998 as a member of the 45 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Habila has held strategic appointments in finance, audit, budgeting and pensions administration.
Academically, he holds a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, an MSSc in Security and Development from Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, an MSc in Security and Strategic Studies, and a PGDM from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also holds a BSc Economics from NDA and a Professional Accounting Certificate from the Nigerian College of Accountancy, Jos.
He attended Nigerian Military School, Zaria, and his hobbies include reading, writing, football, volleyball, farming and travelling.
