JOHESU BEATS NMA 3-0 AS FTH LOKOJA FOOTBALL TEAM (THE LIFE SAVERS) WELCOMES NEW CMD PROF. OZOVEHE WITH NOVELTY MATCH; FORMER CMD ELESHIN, COACH APPLAUD STAFF UNITY*

A three-aside novelty football match was organized to welcome Prof. Abdulrahaman Shehu Ozovehe on his assumption of office as the new Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja.  

The competition, which began earlier in the week, culminated in a final between the Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, and the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA. The CMD performed the ceremonial kick-off before the game commenced shortly after 5 PM.  

JOHESU took the lead with a goal ten minutes into the first half and went on to win 3-0. Both teams displayed skills and sportsmanship throughout the encounter.  

Speaking after the match, Prof. Ozovehe described the event as “exciting and unifying,” noting the smiles on staff faces and the spirit of togetherness. “Everyone was satisfied. We all came out and had a pastime. This is what we preach in the health sector,” he said.  

The CMD pledged to support the hospital team and expand sporting activities beyond football. “I look forward to a time where we can use the Township Stadium for full hospital games, featuring football and athletics. A healthy mind is a sound mind, and it’s a wealthy mind,” he added.  

He commended the organizing committee for the initiative and encouraged staff to regularly partake in sports, saying it promotes long life. Prof. Ozovehe also promised to join staff on the field someday and work toward constructing a better sports facility for the hospital community.  

Speaking shortly before the kick-off of the grand finale, Prof. Ozovehe expressed profound appreciation to staff and players who participated in the novelty match series that began on Monday. He noted that the day was not for long speeches but for everyone to relax and enjoy the game. Prof. Ozovehe commended the organizing committee for their effort in putting the event together and assured the hospital community of his support.  

The CMD further pledged to join staff on the field someday, stating that together they would work to secure a better space and construct an improved playing field for the hospital teams. He added that the project would be achieved by the grace of God, before formally declaring the match open, “Let the game begin.”  

Earlier, the coach of the FTH Lokoja football club, Oba Itokpa Ahmed, said the novelty match was organized to welcome the new CMD and demonstrate the staff’s support. He disclosed that the event commenced on Monday with teams from NAM, JOHESU and NMA. Coach Ahmed appealed to the CMD to provide opportunities for the team to improve and expand to five-aside competitions.  

Also in attendance, former CMD Dr. Eleshin went down memory lane on how the hospital commenced sporting activities. He commended the teams for their wonderful performance and formally welcomed Prof. Ozovehe as the new CMD of the hospital.  

Reacting after the match, Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, Enefola John, said the outcome was tactical and not a defeat, stressing that his team was working to take over the game. “By God’s grace, we are taking over. We will return this cup back to your office in a moment,” he stated, while appreciating donors and praying for God’s replenishment upon them.  

Speaking further on the purpose of the novelty match, John noted that the event was a way of fostering unity and welcoming the new Chief Medical Director. “Our work here is to save lives. We will be more committed to saving lives as God leads us. We will do our best, cooperate with him, and the best will come out of us,” the JOHESU chairman added.  

Highlights of the event included the presentation of certificates to participating teams and the trophy to the winning JOHESU team by the CMD, Prof. Abdulrahaman Shehu Ozovehe, amid cheers from staff and spectators.

Hassan Abubakar-Editor