The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) Bayelsa state council has inaugurated a new executive that will pilot the affairs of the union in the state.
The inauguration which was held at the NUJ press center, Yenagoa was monitored by NANPF secretary and former international, Austin Popo represented by Dr.Timi Osaka
alongside the chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC Bayelsa Council, Dr. Laye Julius and players of the various clubs.
Bayelsa NANPF inaugurated members are Fubara Owonaro, Administrative Secretary also state chairman, Bayelsa United captain, Gabriel Biriduba will serve as vice chairman, Odoni James as assistant administrative secretary and secretary, Ebisene Ernest Citiboi FC captain member, Jeffrey Ebidei Bayelsa United Feeders captain member.
Others are Iweikumo Wariebowei, captain FC Silina member, Emmanuel Ogenetega Bayelsa Queens captain member, Rose Siloko Women Leader Ex player representing NANPF TUC Women Wing and Joel Youpele Grassroots Academy, Bayelsa State representative.
Inaugurating the body (NANPF) secretary, Austin Popo represented by Dr. Timi Osaka urged all players in the state to register with the union in order to safeguard the future, pointing out that Bayelsa remains one of NANPF’s strongest states
He noted that the union would always stand by the players to confront issues of their welfare, maintaining that the NANPF success was incomplete without the players cooperation.
Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Dr. Laye Julius in a remark, charged the players to combine football and education as an alternative source of income after their respective career, noting that good attitude determines the future of every player.
He called on the players from the various clubs to always collaborate with the union to address issues of their welfare with their clubs, stating that TUC Bayelsa would give them the needed support for the union to achieve its aim.
Earlier in an address of welcome, chairman of the union, Mr. Fubara Owonaro, opined that a professional footballer is not just a sports man but a worker with right, emphasizing that players union membership identity card is an asset to every player in the state.
He noted that the union would be committed to resolving disputes between players and club management with the help of the Trade Union Congress TUC, assuring the various clubs of their support.
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