The call came via a invitation letter, duly signed by the Chiroman Yola himself.
It read: “Sir, It is my singular honour to inform you of my intention to contest for the office of the Presidency of the Nigeria Football Federation in the next coming general election of the federation in September, 2022.”
That was how Alhaji Abba Abdullahi Yola, Chiroman Yola, conveyed the invitation, calling on people to the venue, where a communique was issued, carrying the declaration of his candidacy.
In a beautifully crafted speech, captioned, ON A MISSION TO RESTORE NIGERIANS’ CONFIDENCE AND PRIDE IN OUR FOOTBALL AND POSITION IN GLOBAL FOOTBALL, Alhaji Abba Yola outlined his vision and mission for the Nigeria football federation.
“This is to welcome you all that are here today to join me on this occasion of my declaration to contest for the office of the President of Nigeria Football Federation, of which the elections will come up on the 30th September, 2022 in Benin City, Edo State. I would like to specially recognize and welcome my mentor and elder, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, former Kano State Commissioner for Works and Sports, former Chairman of NFF, Nigeria Olympic Committee Patron and most recently, Chairman of the celebrated 10-year Football Development Plan Committee….”
In showcasing his course of life, and reasons that compelled him to put himself forward for the job, Chiroma continued thus: “To begin with, my exploit in the sports sector dates back to some 40 years ago, where I served in various capacities at Kano State Sports Council, National Sports Commission and Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development. I have held several positions, among which are:
-Secretary, Kano State Amateur Basketball Association
-Head of Zonal Sports Offices
-Director press and protocol
-Secretary, main organizing Committee of two National Sports Festivals Rivers and Lagos States
-Special Assistant Technical to the Hon. Minister of Sports/Chairman NSC.
-Special Assistant to the Director, National Sports Commission.
-Chairman Pillars FC.
-Presently, Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development.
“As an establishment man, who believes in absolute respect for institutions, and the instruments that created such institutions, I have in strict obedience to the wordings of the NFF 2010 Statutes, and respect for the Congress as the Supreme Authority, written earlier to all the Congress men and women, conveying my greetings and desire to vie for the Office of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation in the forthcoming elections. Knowing fully well the huge responsibility placed on them, I cannot but plead once again with them, to do the needful when the time comes, with a view to electing the best and most competent candidate to lead the Nigeria Football Federation in the next dispensation.
“On my part, it is a promise that the Supremacy of the Congress will be protected and allowed to play its statutory role at all times, without any influence from me and or the Exco. It is also my desire to see that Nigeria Football is placed at par with other successful footballing Countries”.
Chiroma concluded thus: “Finally, we are all aware that the process of succession in Nigeria Football has always been problematic, resulting in accusations, which has often culminated in threat of sanctions by FIFA. This time around we can all go to sleep with our eyes closed, as the right thing has been done.
“I cannot therefore finish this declaration without commending outgoing Amaju Pinnick Exco and the Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation, for starting a sound transition process, which if sincerely adhered to, will see Nigeria leading others and being celebrated as a true Giant of Africa at the end of the exercise.
“I want to seize this opportunity to thank members of the press, for their kindness and support since I started working as a small Sports officer, under the late Babayo Shehu (May his soul continue to rest in peace, Ameen). As partners, together we shall strive to ensure that we run a Football Federation that will be the pride of the Nation, In Sha Allah. May God be with us all, as we travel back to our respective destinations”.
The cleanliness of the credentials of Chiroma, alongside the finesse with which he presents them, have combined to give marvellous meaning to merit, and underscored the importance of experience.
So, if merit matters, if experience is an expectation, if the search is for someone with the credentials to transform the Nigeria football, and take the NFF to the Eldorado, then Chiroma should be confident.
Abba holds the ace.
