In a move aimed at modernizing and expanding the reach of Nigeria's premier football league, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a directive requiring all clubs to establish official websites and bolster their social media presence. This mandate is designed to improve fan engagement and open new revenue streams through digital platforms.
The directive was announced during a one-day summit for club media directors held in Makurdi, Benue State, on Friday. The summit was opened by the Executive Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, who used the occasion to address several key issues concerning local sports infrastructure.
Alia directed that the rehabilitation of the Aper Aku Stadium, the home ground of Lobi Stars FC, be expedited from ten weeks to eight weeks. Additionally, he committed to reconstructing the Gboko Township Stadium and other sports facilities within the state. Alia also promised the acquisition of three new buses for Lobi Stars and assured that all outstanding payments would be settled promptly.
During the summit, NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Prince Davidson Owumi, addressed the club media directors, announcing that clubs which have not yet established websites will receive formal notices to do so within the next month. Owumi emphasized the importance of investing in personal development for media officers, urging them to enhance their skill sets to effectively engage with fans and contribute to their clubs' digital and community presence.
The workshop featured several resource persons who provided valuable insights into various aspects of media and communication within football. NPFL Director of Media, Harry Iwuala, delivered a presentation on becoming an effective club media officer. Andrew Randa discussed the use of multimedia tools to enhance the functionality of club media departments. Barrister Uche Egbe, the NPFL Head of Legal and Compliance, reviewed the relevant codes of the Framework and Rules that govern the conduct of club officers.
Additionally, Lazarus Ibeabuchi, Head of Public Relations at StarTimes, and Andrew Ekejiuba of GTI Assets Management also contributed to the discussions, offering perspectives on media management and financial strategies for football clubs.
The summit underscored the NPFL’s commitment to leveraging digital platforms for the growth of Nigerian football, with a clear focus on enhancing the professional capabilities of media officers and improving overall club management. This strategic push towards digital engagement is expected to foster better connections between clubs and their supporters, while also creating new opportunities for revenue generation in the evolving landscape of sports media.
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