FOOTBALL: MEET MEMBERS OF THE FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE
ORU Leonard
Days after President Mahammadu Bihari of Nigeria received the 10-year Football Development Masterplan from the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, an 11 man Committee has been to implement the plan.
PMB who said the football game should be treated as a national asset, affirmed that it is the responsibility of government to safeguard the sport, which has brought Nigeria many laurels,
”Indeed, just as I expect and demand a higher standard of patriotism, responsibility and commitment from those charged with the administration of our football, I also urge all stakeholders to work together constructively and patriotically.
”We have seen attempts to disrespect and undermine the institutions supervising our sports. We have seen attempts to subjugate national interest for narrow interest or disrespect the laws of Nigeria. Nigeria will not take lightly any attempt to inflict injury on its football fortunes,’’ he stated.
President Buhari, who used the occasion to spell out his expectations from the two-volume report, directed the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to commence its implementation in phases, within the fine lines of relevant sections of the Nigerian laws on sports development and the statutes of the world soccer governing body, FIFA.
”This government is interested in developing a football culture that will accommodate global best practices that will also help the nation to lay a solid foundation for her domestic football, put in place professionally and efficiently run leagues, entrench a consistent and stable football calendar and create a value chain which will boost the sports ecosystem.
”Achieving this will guarantee desired progress in continental and international competition.
See Names and briefs of Commtee members.
1. Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima.
A founding father of modern football administration in Nigeria.
A former NFA chairman who laid the foundation for the introduction of FIFA statutes in Nigeria. He is presently a patron of the Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC).
2. Yemi Idowu
Sports investor and business man. A grassroots mobiliser and club owner. A massive investor in sports facilities and infrastructure. His Ajegunle Stadium project in Lagos could benefit over 150,000 kids.
3. Segun Odegbami.
Former international player, grassroots sports investor and owner of a thriving Sports Academy.
A man of many parts, having successfully ventured into sports marketing and broadcasting.
4. Emmanuel Babayaro.
Former Nigerian youth international and Olympic Gold medalist. A player unionist of repute.
5. Sunday Oliseh.
Former Super Eagles captain and coach. AFCON winner and Olympic Gold Medallist. Passionate about grassroots football development and coaching.
6. Ikeddy Isiguzo.
Sports journalist with many years of experience. Former chairman of the editorial board of the Vanguard newspapers. A social commentator.
7. Alhaja Ayo Omidiran.
Foremost women football promoter and sponsor. Former member of the Federal House of Representatives. She has served in many FIFA, CAF committees. She is presently the chairperson NFF women football committee.
8. Augustine Ojiabor.
Passionate football follower and fan with deep knowledge and understanding of Nigerian football.
9. Ade Ojeikere.
Sports Journalist with many years of experience. Knowledgeable, passionate and pioneer member of the Interim Management Committee(IMC) for the Nigerian league. Currently Group Sports Editor of Sporting Life newspaper owned by The Nation newspapers.
10. Seyi Akinwunmi.
Barrister, grassroots football expert.
Currently, the 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation and also chairman of the Lagos State Football Association. He is the coordinator of the Western Nigeria Football Forum(WNFF).
11. Tobechukwu Okigbo.
Football sponsor.
One of the facilitators of MTN sponsorship of the Nigeria Football Federation and Super Eagles.
12. Tony Nnacheta.
Sports administrator and technocrat. Former Sports Commissioner in Anambra State. A banker of repute.
13. Alhaji Muhammad Daha Umar Faruk.
Grassroots football promoter. Currently a member of the 2022 NFF Electoral Committee.
14. John Opubor.
Passionate sports, especially football, enthusiast. Knowledgeable about modern trends in football administration and management.
15. Dr Bode Durotoye.
Civil servant. A former director of grassroots in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. A seasoned sports administrator and international instructor of many sporting codes.
16. Musa Amadu.
Barrister, FIFA Master degree holder. Former NFF General Secretary and until recently, the Chairman, NFF Disciplinary Committee.
