Media presence is critical " Odikpo charts NNL's way forward
" Media presence is critical, for instance, look at the Premier League, it is where it is today because of the media."
By Olusola Adebayo
Media presence is key to the growth of the Nigeria National League, this is one of the submissions of Emeka Odikpo when he visited the leadership of the NNL in Abuja.
The veteran journalist who is synonymous with football commentary on Radio, told the George Aluo-led board of the NNL about the need to partner with the media and do the basic good things so that the media can have numerous positive stories to tell about the league.
Emeka Odikpo who met with the chairman of George Aluo, alongside the Chief Operating Officer Emmanuel Adesanya, Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Attah, and Yakubu Sarma a board member, urged the board to, "Partner with the media, give voice to the NNL because it's the media that will give a narrative on what people and the fans will see.
Odikpo said: " Media presence is critical, for instance, look at the Premier League, it is where it is today because of the media."
" Even the Saudi Pro League is being reported by the English media because of its interest in players who moved from there to Saudi Arabia."
He went further to speak on the specifics and ingredients that must be in place for the collaboration between the board and NNL to be meaningful and fruitful.
"If you allow the league to run smoothly, pay indemnities and pay the winner, take decisions about fair officiating and security, the media will have good stories to tell and that will increase the value of the league and further attract more comparison with even the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Premier League, especially with officiating."
"Be fair, be just, and be firm, do not waiver" he submitted.
The man whose voice resonated with many Nigeria football followers in the 90s giving live commentaries also asked the board to organize the league with fairness and urged them to assert their authority without fairness or favor.
" Organise your league. Do things that will attract fans to the league. When you are on the right path, be on that right path. Don't consider team X over team Y, when you do that, you will start having problems but if you stand your ground, others will get the clear message and follow suit" Odikpo submits.
The veteran broadcaster expected the board to overcome the teething problem and other problems associated with the NNL, considering the caliber and experience of people on the board as they deliver a league every Nigerian will be proud of.
