By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State government has celebrated Super Falcons forward and five-time WAFCON winner, Francisca Ordega, with a N50 million cash gift, a furnished three-bedroom bungalow, and a street named after her in Makurdi, the state capital.
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia made the announcement during a state banquet held in honour of the football icon at the New Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.
The gesture, according to the governor, is part of efforts to celebrate excellence and inspire young people in Benue to pursue their dreams, especially in sports.
“Francisca Ordega is a symbol of resilience, talent, and the potential that exists in every Benue child,” Governor Alia said.
He added, “We are not just rewarding her achievements; we are honouring a legacy that continues to inspire.”
Governor Alia noted that the state remains committed to reviving sports infrastructure and talent development, citing ongoing renovations at Aper Aku and McCarthy stadiums as part of the administration’s sports revival agenda.
In addition to Ordega’s reward, her former coach, Randy Waldrum, was appreciated with a N10 million cash gift for his role in mentoring and developing her talent.
Ordega, in her response, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, describing it as one of the most emotional moments of her life as she dedicated the honour to young girls across the state and the country.
“This recognition goes beyond me. It is for every girl with a dream. I am committed to giving back through my foundation and working with the state government to support youth development,” she said.
Chairman of the Benue State Football Association, Barr. Paul Edeh, described the governor’s gesture as unprecedented and hailed his efforts in reviving football in the state.
He also conveyed a goodwill message from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), whose president, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, hailed Ordega’s contributions to Nigerian football.
Dignitaries at the event included lawmakers, government officials, music icon Innocent Idibia (2Baba) and his wife, as well as stakeholders in the sports and entertainment industries.
