Kogi Executives Face Lawmakers in a Goalless Draw during Governor Ododo’s Anniversary Novelty Match

The Novelty football match between the Executives and the Legislators, organized by the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in honor of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s one year in office, ended in a goalless draw on Sunday at Confluence Stadium in Lokoja.

The novelty match was part of the activities planned to celebrate Governor Ahmed Ododo and his Deputy, Elder Joel Salifu’s one-year anniversary in office, scheduled for January 27, 2025.

The State Executives football team, captained by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, faced off against the State House of Assembly team, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar.

Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu officially kicked off the match, representing Governor Ododo. The 20-minute novelty match was filled with fun and humor, ending in a goalless draw as both teams showed determination and endurance to prevent any goals from being scored.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the match, the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, commended both teams for their impressive display of skills during the match.

He noted that the novelty match was organised as part of activities to celebrate Governor Ododo’s one-year anniversary in office, as well as promoting sports development in the state.

The sports’ commissioner expressed his satisfaction with the level of competition displayed by both teams, which he said was comparable to professional football league players.

Anyebe advised the people of the state to often engage in physical exercise in order to keep fit at all times.

Also speaking, Executive team Captain, and State Commissioner for Information and Communication, see Kingsley Fanwo, expressed delight in the quality of talent on the football field.

Fanwo noted that final score also reflected the mutual respect between the two arms of government in Kogi state.

According to him, the show of sportsmanship and comradeship displayed on the field of play is same off the field as the executive arm of government continued to accord the legislature utmost respect.

The center Refree, Mr Ibrahim Isiaku, commended both teams for their resilience and brilliant performance on the field of play

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