In a bid to foster the growth of football in the state, the Edo Football Association has inaugurated several committees. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Edo State Sports Commission board room at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with members of the State Football Association in attendance.
Fred Newton Erhunmwense, the Football Association (FA) boss, addressed the gathering. He urged the newly appointed committee members to exercise prudence, transparency, and accountability in their roles. He also emphasised the importance of unity, determination, and commitment among the committee members to rejuvenate football in Edo State and elevate the game.
Erhunmwense stated, "We are all seated here to see how to support our football. It’s our state. I’m from Edo State and every one of us here, we are from this State and we need to move football to greater heights."
"By the grace of God, we are going to get it right. We must meet to identify the areas we need to structure. We must meet to brainstorm and we must meet to make football better."
Five committees were inaugurated during the event. The members were encouraged to undertake their assignments responsibly and to align their efforts with the vision of the Newton-led administration to proactively ensure the genuine growth and development of football in the State.
The inaugurated committees include the Organising and Disciplinary Committee, Marketing and Branding Committee, Media, Publicity and ICT Committee, Technical and Referee Committee, and Youth Football Development Committee. Each committee is composed of a chairman, vice chairman, members, and a secretary.
The FA Chairman underscored the importance of the Marketing and Branding Committee being proactive in their duties, noting that the association is always prepared to introduce new innovations into the system. He also expressed confidence in the ability of the various committees to fulfil their mandate.
In his welcome address, Fred expressed his gratitude to those who supported him during the election. He reiterated that the responsibility to enhance football in Edo State is a collective one.
He stated, "I will like to use this medium to appreciate everyone seated here for your support and the role you played before, during and after the election, It’s not my job, but for Edo State. Football first. And we must get it right and that's why we are seated here to define the purpose of how football will be organised in the next four years. We want innovative ideas. We want those that would love the game to take charge of various committees."