Edo State’s Local Government FA elections are days away — approximately six days — and one question should come before every handshake, endorsement and campaign promise is welcomed once again. What have the outgoing chairmen actually done for football in their local governments?
We are quick to demand accountability from governments and institutions. Yet when it comes to the leaders of our own grassroots football, we often settle for friendship, loyalty and politics. With 18 local government areas in the state, every one of us can start by asking our own chairman.
Football is more than matches and kits
Grassroots football is an ecosystem. It includes referees, coaches, agents, administrators and the structures that connect them. Progress isn’t measured only by competitions staged, or jerseys bought. It is measured by knowledge gained, opportunities created and careers supported.
Six questions every outgoing chairman should answer
1. Refereeing: What training or development programmes have you organised for referees in your local government area? Do you even have a relationship with the referees in your local government area?
2 Coaching: What courses or capacity-building opportunities have you supported for grassroots coaches? There were moves and innovations at the State level; are there any we can point to in your local government?
3 Player representation: How have you educated young players on contracts, career management and the wider football industry?
4 Administration: What workshops have you held for club officials and organisers of various competitions in your local area to raise management standards?
Read Also: Edo Local Council FA Elections — An Open Letter to the Delegates
5 Talent development: Beyond competitions, what lasting structures identify and support emerging players? How many have benefited, and what is the evidence?
6 Innovation and sustainability: What new ideas did you introduce, and which programmes will outlive your tenure?
These are not unreasonable questions; rather, the minimum we should ask of anyone entrusted with developing young talent.
Records, not Rhetoric
Many outgoing chairmen will seek another term. At the state level, we have seen tangible and commendable innovations, events, and other remarkable steps taken to improve football in the state, but for many of the chairmen who intend to return, they should be ready to say what worked, what failed, what they learnt and what they intend to build on, should they return to office.
This writer is only setting a pace many should follow in seeking accountability, and it takes nothing from those who have genuinely contributed. It is about setting a standard of leadership judged by performance, not promises.
Over to you
Football is an industry, not just a competition. Edo football deserves measurable development, accountable leadership and sustainable programmes.
So, stakeholders, what has your Local Government FA chairman achieved in the last three years, especially in the past year? Beyond competitions and kits (if those happened in your own local government), what can you point to as proof?
Let’s have this conversation before we elect another set of leaders.