Support for English premiership League was carried a notch higher on Sunday as supporters of the Arsenal Football Club in Benue state donated N3.2 million towards the development of St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Apir, as part of activities marking Arsenal Football Club’s English Premier League title triumph after a 22-year wait.
The donation climaxed a series of events organized by the supporters’ group to celebrate the historic achievement. The activities included a parade, watch parties, a thanksgiving Mass and a humanitarian outreach to internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the International Market Camp in Makurdi.
As part of the outreach, the Benue Arsenal Family donated a cow and various relief items donated by fans for Internally displaced persons in the state.
The donations, according to supporters of the club, were aimed at supporting the welfare of the residents of camp and sharing the joy of Arsenal’s success with the less privileged.
Speaking during the outreach, Very Rev. Fr. Solomon Mfa Ukeyima encouraged the IDPs not to lose hope despite their present circumstances.
Drawing a parallel with Arsenal’s long wait for success, he noted that just as the club endured 22 years before winning the Premier League title again, the displaced persons should remain hopeful that their challenges would one day come to an end.
“Arsenal waited patiently for 22 years before lifting the trophy again. In the same way, I believe that one day you too will return to your homes and rebuild your lives,” he said.
Chairman of the Celebration Planning Committee (CPC), Hon. Orduen Ikon, popularly known as OD Woods, announced the N3.2 million donation to the church project. He explained that the funds were raised through contributions from members of the Benue Arsenal Family, with Barr. Rommy Mom, Executive Director of Lawyers Alert, emerging as the highest individual donor.
Earlier, during the thanksgiving Mass, Rev. Fr. Isaiah Ter urged Christians to remain faithful to the Word of God and honour their parents. He emphasized that the teachings of the Catholic Church are rooted in Scripture and that those who sincerely turn to God attract His favour and blessings.
The Mass was co-celebrated by Rev. Fr. Isaiah Ter, Very Rev. Fr. Solomon Mfa Ukeyima and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Agbiase.
Members of the Arsenal Supporters in Benue state said the celebration underscored the Benue Arsenal Family’s commitment not only to football but also to faith, community development and humanitarian service.