The event, generously sponsored by the Nasarawa State Government and held at Ta’al Conference Hotel, Lafia, on Friday, 15th August, 2025, was declared open by President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who was accompanied by key Executive Committee Members of the NFF, as well as Chairmen of the various States’ Football Associations in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the NFF supremo said he was happy to attend the seminar as it coincided with his activity in Nasarawa State during the period of the event.
“I had to change my schedules to enable me catch up with this programme.
“I place high premium on programmes like this because it aligns with our mission and vision to stabilise and develop football at all levels in the country.
“So I urge all the participants to cooperate with us by taking advantage of this seminar and ensure that our league is better and more competitive as we are going to be strict in our collective resolve to change the narrative of the league in order to get more sponsors and partners, and generate revenues to enable us smoothly run our football
“Let me thank the NPFL Board for this wonderful initiative.
“Let me specially express my gratitude to my friend and brother, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and the Nasarawa State Government, for generously sponsoring this seminar, and many other sporting activities in the State, especially during my tenure as President of the NFF”, Gusau stated.
Delivering the message of Governor Abdullahi Sule, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nasarawa State, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, welcomed participants to the event and assured of the continued support of the Nasarawa State Government to the development of sports and sports people in Nasarawa State and beyond.
“As we stand on the threshold of a new football league season, we are filled with optimism and enthusiasm because the league continues to showcase the best of Nigerian football, and I have no doubt that the 2025/26 league campaign won’t be different.
“The Nasarawa State Government’s sponsorship of this seminar underscores the Governor Sule-led administration’s commitment to promoting sports development and excellence in our great State.
“By investing in initiatives like this, we aim to empower our clubs, players, and fans, ensuring that our league remains a symbol of pride and achievement, and today’s seminar is a practical proof of the power of collaboration and unity to drive success throughout the season.
“I commend the NPFL Board who are the organizers of this seminar, and the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation under a prudent President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, for prioritizing the well-being of players, officials and fans. This will definitely ensure that our stadia remain a safe and welcoming environments for all.
“I urge all participants, particularly the professional Media Directors of the various Clubs to continue to showcase the exciting stories and achievements of our beloved clubs and players so as to build a strong and loyal following and partnership, promote a culture of sportsmanship and respect, in order to make our league a symbol of excellence and unity.
“Rest assured that Nasarawa State remains accommodating and hospitable, and we welcome any developmental initiatives from individuals and organisations who seek our partnership”, the Governor assured.
Earlier, Chairman of the NPFL Board and Second Vice President of the NFF, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, thanked the Nasarawa State Government for sponsoring the seminar.
He expressed gratitude to the NFF President for being part of the programme, disclosing that it was the first time a sitting NFF President would be part of seminars as such, and the first time one State Government would host all three sets of participants.
Elegbeleye commended the NPFL Clubs’ Chairmen for facilitating the attendance of their representatives despite the short notice, charging the participants to ensure they step-down the knowledge acquired at their various clubs.
The seminar provided a valuable platform for key stakeholders to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and discuss best practices in areas such as media management, safeguarding and fan engagement.
Participants praised the event for its relevance and impact, highlighting the benefits of attending.
President of the NPFL Media Directors’ Forum and Media Director of the host State Club, Nasarawa United, Eche Amos, who spoke on behalf of the three set s of participants, appreciated the NPFL Board for organizing the seminar, while commending Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Nasarawa State Government for taking the burden of sponsoring the programme.
“This three-in-one programme offers the importance of effective communication strategies in promoting our various clubs and engaging with fans as Media Directors.
“It also discussed ways for our Safeguarding Officers to ensure player and staff welfare, and prevent harm, while also focusing on Chairmen of Supporters’ Clubs fostering positive fan behaviour and creating a safe and enjoyable match-day experience.
“On behalf of my colleagues and entire participants, I wish to express our deepest gratitude to the NPFL Board headed by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, for organising this great programme.
“The Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL Board, Prince Davidson Owumi, has demonstrated more than leadership capacity by ensuring a seamless coordination of this programme with about one hundred participants and personalities. The Resource Persons for this programme have further broadened our horizon on our roles to make the league more competitive, well followed and better supported.
“Our special appreciation to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and the Nasarawa State Government, for accepting to sponsor this laudable programme, at a very short notice .
“Nasarawa State has continued to play major roles in the development of sports and stakeholders in the Nigerian sports space, and we are grateful for the warm hospitality and ambience offered us by key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development headed by Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, and State Football Association, chaired by Salisu Usman Galadima, throughout our stay in the State.
“We most sincerely appreciate the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau, for setting the bar of excellence for the development of Nigerian football. His physical presence and declaration of the programme open further proves the healthy working relationship between the NFF and the NPFL Board to develop football in the country”, Eche concluded.
Climax of the one-day Pre-season Seminar witnessed the issuance of ‘Certificate of Participation’ to the participants, while the NPFL Media Directors’ Forum presented a souvenir jersey to the Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL Board, Prince Davidson Owumi, for his commitment and continued support to members of the Forum.
