— By Silvernews
In a landmark move to safeguard the rights and welfare of professional footballers in Edo State, key stakeholders converged on Monday, June 30, for a high-powered joint meeting initiated by the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The meeting, held in Benin City, brought together officials of the TUC Edo State Council, the Edo State chapter of NANPF, and the Edo State Sports Commission — the supervisory body for Bendel Insurance FC and Edo Queens FC.
Top on the agenda were pressing issues relating to the welfare, working conditions, and fundamental rights of professional footballers, discussed within the dual frameworks of Nigerian Labour Law and FIFA regulations governing the status and transfer of players.
Speaking at the session, Comrade Asemota Iyke, Chairman of the TUC Edo State Council, emphasized the importance of aligning footballers’ employment conditions with established labour rights. He was accompanied by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Alabi, and State Secretary.
NANPF was strongly represented by its Edo State Chairman, Comrade David Aigbovo; Secretary, Uwaifo John; Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Blessings; National Executive Secretary, Austin Popo; and Protocol Officer, Kevin Etemike.
On the part of the government, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Enabulele, led a delegation of Board members, expressing the Commission’s willingness to engage collaboratively in addressing the concerns raised.
The deliberations reflected a growing awareness of the unique status of footballers as both workers and athletes, with all sides agreeing on the need for structured dialogue, fair contracts, and adherence to national and international labour standards.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to set up a joint committee to further streamline communication and policy implementation aimed at improving the working environment for players under the Edo State sports system.
