As part of efforts to revamp Bayelsa United FC, the Bayelsa State Government has effected some changes in the Board of the club.
Former captain of the team, Dr Tarilaye Nwankwe has been appointed as the new chairman of the team. He replaces Ebiki Timitimi, who is also a former captain of the team.
This is contained in a government special announcement signed by the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Prof Nimibofa Ayawei.
Timitimi had a successful run as helmsman of the Yenagoa-based club. It will be recalled that it was under his reign as chairman that Bayelsa United lifted the Aiteo FA Cup in 2022 playing from the lower rung. He also secured promotion of the club to the elite Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). The enterprising Timitimi is also credited with the development of home grown talents.
He enjoyed a good run as chairman of the board of the club until the last two seasons when the club struggled to retain its position in the NPFL. Last season was so bad that the team only managed to stay afloat courtesy of a Match Day 38 away win to Bendel Insurance in Benin.
The new helmsman, Nwankwe, described as a "seasoned administrator with a very strong academic background", is well-equipped to lead the club to greater heights.
According to the announcement, ex-international, Tarila Okorowanta retained his position as the Team Manager just as grassroots football advocate, Elder Miebi Ogunu, retained his position as member of the board.
Sabena Akugbene Justice, Prince Adada and Perela Aboro are coming on board as new members of the Board.
Niger Delta Connect gathered that Aboro is coming on board with some measure of experience. He is the chairman of the Bayelsa State League and also the Tournament Director of the Governor Douye Diri Football Competition, which is also known as the Prosperity Cup.
In a related development, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has approved the appointment of Ms Thelma Agara as the Team Manager of Bayelsa Queens FC.
Thelma Agara is a member, Nigeria Women Football Committee since 2014 till date. She was at different times, member of Bayelsa Queens Interim Committee as well as Secretary, Bayelsa United under Akpofini Odogu.
A staff of the Bayelsa State Sports Council, Thelma Agara had also served as Organizing Secretary of Bayelsa State Scrabble Association as well as Chess Association.
Other newly-appointed members are Mrs Powei Ikisah and Biobelemonye Jonah. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Management Board, Pastor Robin Apreala retained his position just as Joel Okoyen, Gloria Ala and Panipere Onumonu.
Expectedly, the additions to the management teams of the two clubs will inject fresh blood into the teams, especially against the background that both teams have new coaches too. A few weeks ago, the state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo unveiled veteran coach Ladan Bosso as tactician of Bayelsa United while Whyte Ogbonda is the new gaffer for Bayelsa Queens.
In his farewell message, Ebiki Timitimi thanked the state Governor, Senator Douye Diri and Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for the opportunity given him to serve as chairman of Bayelsa United FC and wished the team well.
