The Chairman of the Benue State Football Association and President of the Ratels Foundation, Chief Dr. Barrister Paul Edeh, has expressed his surprise and gratitude following his nomination for the distinguished Newstap and SWAN Five-Star Award.
The nomination recognizes Dr. Edeh’s exceptional contributions to sports development and philanthropy in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja after receiving the official nomination letter from the award organizers, Dr. Edeh noted that the honor aligns with his commitment to building an inclusive and development-driven society.
As the founder of two women’s football clubs in Nigeria—Naija Ratels and Benue Queens (formerly Honey Badgers)—Dr. Edeh highlighted his passion for using football as a platform to engage young people and promote women’s empowerment.
“My journey into football and sports, in general, is driven by a desire to make a lasting impact. For me, life is not about accumulating wealth but about consistently touching lives.
This nomination is a testament to the work we’ve done through the Ratels Sports Development Foundation. It’s a reminder that efforts to empower others are never in vain,” Dr. Edeh remarked.
He expressed deep appreciation to Newstap and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for the recognition, dedicating the honor to the lives impacted through his foundation’s initiatives.
The National President of SWAN, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, who presented the nomination letter, praised Dr. Edeh for his unwavering commitment to grassroots sports and his philanthropic efforts in promoting women’s football in Nigeria.
“Chief Dr. Paul Edeh has set a remarkable example in sports administration and philanthropy. His contributions, particularly through the Ratels Foundation, have transformed countless lives and inspired many young people to pursue their dreams. This nomination is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his dedication,” Benjamin stated.
The Five-Star Newstap/SWAN Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 27, 2025, in Lagos.
Other nominees for the prestigious awards include the Executive Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, and Kunle Soname, President of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club Remo Stars.