Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has dissolved the Board and Management of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi, following the team’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after 27 consecutive years in the top flight.
The decision was contained in a statement released on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to journalists in Makurdi.
According to the statement, the move is part of the Alia administration’s sweeping reforms aimed at repositioning the state-owned football club for “greater efficiency, accountability, and improved performance” in future competitions.
“The decision is aimed at repositioning the club for greater efficiency, accountability, and better performance in both the Nigeria Premier Football League and other competitions,” the statement read.
Governor Alia directed all members of the dissolved board to immediately hand over all official documents, assets, and responsibilities to the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity.
While acknowledging the contributions of the outgoing management, the governor noted that a new era was necessary to restore the club’s lost glory.
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“The government appreciates the efforts of those who have served Lobi Stars over the years. However, the time has come for a new direction that reflects our vision for professionalism and transparency in sports administration,” Alia stated.
He added that a fresh management structure would soon be unveiled to drive the next phase of the club’s development, emphasizing that competence and accountability will be key criteria for the new leadership.
“The next leadership of Lobi Stars must demonstrate competence, passion, and accountability. Our focus is on building a club that inspires pride among Benue people and contributes meaningfully to the state’s sports development agenda,” he added.
Governor Alia reaffirmed his commitment to using sports as a tool for youth empowerment and social development, stressing that Benue will continue to invest in young talents.
“Sports remain a vital tool for youth engagement, talent discovery, and social cohesion in Benue State. Our goal is to create an environment where young people can thrive and showcase their abilities on national and international stages,” he said.
Founded in 1981 as the Hawks of Makurdi, Lobi Stars FC has long been one of Nigeria’s most recognized football clubs. Over the decades, the club—owned by the Benue State government—has produced several top players and maintained a strong presence in Nigerian football until its recent relegation.
