His Royal Majesty King Edward A. W. D. People 111, Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom
THE Rivers State Football Referees’ Council has been applauded for their consistency in ensuring the growth and development of football referees in Nigeria.
The Amanyanabo of grand Bonny kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Edward A.W.D, Pepplle 111, CON, DSSRS, JP, made the remarks in the address he sent during the two day football refereeing seminar organized by the Rivers State Football Referees’ Council, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium Elikahia, Port Harcourt.
He said “I commend the Rivers State Football Referees’ Council for upholding traditions of excellence and professional development. Your consistency in organizing seminars, workshops, and assessments shows your resolve to raise the standard of officiating in our state and beyond. I am particularly proud of the commitment displayed by the leadership of the council. You have continued to demonstrate that football officiating is not just a task, but a calling—one that requires integrity, courage, and deep
sense of justice”.
The natural ruler of grand Bonny kingdom, who is the Grand Patron of the Rivers State Football Referees’ Council admonished the participants to take advantage of the huge expectations from seminar to develop their refereeing career and none referees to increase their knowledge of the laws of the game of football.
“To our participants, especially the younger referees: I urge you to absorb every insight shared in these two days. The knowledge you gain here will not only improve your performance on the field, but also shape your character as leaders in your communities. Remember every whistle you blow carries the weight of fairness, responsibility and honour”.
King Edward Pepplle A.W.D 111 opined further that football Referees are the souls of the game of football that serves as a unifying force to the Nigeria.
“Football is more than a sports. For us in Rivers State, and indeed across Nigeria, it is unifying force, a channel for your empowerment, and a platform that carries our dream, identity, and aspirations. At the heart of this great game stands the Referee–the guardian of fairness, the custodian of order, and the symbol of impartiality”.
Another guest speaker, Mr. Usman Y. Ochenika (ACP Rtd) who spoke
on the topic Hooliganism And Security In Football Matches. According to him the general security and crisis management during football matches enhances the entertainment drivable in the game of soccer.
Cross section of participation
He defined hooliganism as extreme noisy, unruly and violent behavior in the public; and a Hooligan as a person; usually a young person who behave in an extremely noisy and violent way in public, usually in groups”.
He cautioned team team supporters and club officials to be mindful of the character they exhibit during match as virtually confrontations brews from the team’s bench to the team’s supporters, before it escalates.
Ochenika who is a retired Referee, and NFF Match Commissioner, urged football Referees to take advantage of the what they learnt from the seminar to develop their refereeing prowess, and resist any temptation that will bring ridicule to their image, and that of the reputations of the Nigeria Football Referees’ Association.
Earlier the chairman of Rivers State Football Referees’ Council, Mr. Dennis Charles Dima expressed the council’s joy and gratitude to the Almighty God for the hitch free seminar, and to all the participants to attend, despite their tight schedules.
Peter Edibe (FIFA Referee Rtd) CAF, NFF, Referees’ Instructor and Assessor, the resource person of the two day football refereeing seminar harped on learning and understanding football officiating; amendments of the laws of the game.
The two day seminar featured classroom lecture, question and answer sessions, and practical officiating patterns on the field of play.
The seminar attracted football Referees, administrators, football Coaches, football clubs, football players and soccer enthusiasts.
Certificate of participation was issued to all the participants.
