A pioneer of television football programmes presenter in Nigeria, Barrister Godwin Dudu-Orumen is on his way to becoming the next chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, following his nomination for the post by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Fondly called ‘Dudu,’ the lawyer-turned-broadcaster, who is also chairman of Cowbell Football Academy nationwide, recently took up a role alongside former Nigeria captain, Chief Segun Odegbami on network television’s Sports Parliament.
Footballlive.ng learnt that ‘Dudu’ will now relocate from Lagos to Benin City, following his appointment as interim chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, pending ratification by Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA).
However, the move has already been applauded by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) re-elected president, Amaju Pinnick, who commended Governor Obaseki for his initiatives in transforming the sports sector in the state.
Pinnick relayed his gratitude during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.
The NFF helmsman commended Obaseki’s administration for transforming the sports sector in the state, noting that the governor’s efforts would help in reclaiming the state’s stature as a destination for sporting activities in Nigeria.
He assured Obaseki that if the contractor handling Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium facelift deliver a good job, he will ensure that the Super Eagles play in the stadium in April, 2019.
Pinnick said he was in the state to appreciate Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Rt, Hon Philip Shaibu for their support in his re-election bid as President of NFF.
“I am very grateful to Governor Obaseki, who played a major role and gave me all the needed support that led to my emergence as winner in the election held in Kastina State. The poll was supervised by officials of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA),” Pinnick stated.
On his part, while congratulating Pinnick on his re-election, Governor Obaseki extolled the NFF president’s leadership style and then assured that Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium will be ready by January 2019, for the use by the national team.
Obaseki further said his administration will do everything possible to ensure that the state reclaims its pride in sports as it was when it was Bendel State.
Similarly, the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Shaibu commended Pinnick and assured him of continuous support of Edo State Government to ensure he succeeds in his second term.
Shaibu said: “Football is an integral part of the economy in Europe with huge revenue accruing from it. Edo State is moving towards that direction with the way this government is handling sports in the state.”
