*Uba Sani approves N2bn for renovation
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Kaduna State Government has been awarded the full custodian of the prestigious Ahmadu Bello stadium for full supervision and maintenance.
It would be recalled that, the stadium was officially handed over to the state government on January 27, 2023 during the past administration of ex Governor Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai to foster a vibrant sport culture, enriching lives of the citizenry aimed at positioning Kaduna State as a premium hub for national and international sporting events.
The Kaduna State Ministry of Sport Development Commissioner, Professor Benjamin Kumai-Gugon said, the physical takeover of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium signifies the unwavering commitment of the state governor, Senator Uba Sani’s commitment to sports and infrastructural development in the state.
He said, the ministry would soon swing in to the full renovation of the facility to revive it into a world class edifice for the hosting of local, national and international events.
Professor Benjamin Kumai-Gugon assured that the state governor has approved two billion Naira in the 2024 state budget for the first of the renovation of the edifice.
The commissioner during the takeover of the stadium keys and documents from the stadium manager, Tukur Dan-Mallam, rallied for the people’s support and patriotism to safeguard and ensure security within and around the facility.
He also stressed the fact that for the sustainability of the stadium, new policies and measures would be put in place to generate revenue for the maintenance of the stadium.
Professor Gugong appreciated all sports stakeholders in the state for thier tireless efforts to sustain sports in Kaduna, which is in line with Senator Uba Sani’s Sustain Manifesto to put the state sports back on the global map as obtained in the past.
Responding, the Special Adviser to the Kaduna State Governor on Sports Matters, Shehu Idris Dibis, cleared the air on a questions from members of the press, that the Ahmadu Bello Stadium is not among the properties of the NNDC but that of the Federal Government.
The takeover was carried out in the presence of federal and state government officials, sports stakeholders, members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by its state chapter chairman, Shehu Abdullahi and spirited sport enthusiasts in the state.
