Youth and Sports Minister Sunday Dare announced that President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) has approved the return of Ahmadu Bello Stadium to the Kaduna State Government, placing the stadium under the state’s full custody. This announcement was made during a meeting in Abuja with Kaduna State Governor Nasiru El-Rufai. Dare emphasized that the Federal Government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government to facilitate further development of sporting infrastructure in the region.
Plans are underway for the official handover of the stadium to the Kaduna State Government, scheduled for Friday. This event aims to enhance youth participation in sporting activities across the country. Additionally, a novelty match is set to take place between the Governor and the Minister to commemorate the occasion in Kaduna. Dare expressed optimism about the stadium’s potential, stating that its formal handover would position Kaduna as a central hub for the 19 Northern States to showcase emerging sports talent, revitalizing sports in the region.
Dare recounted the initiative’s inception, noting that they initially approached two private sector figures, Aliko Dangote and Adebutu Kessington. The third individual consulted was the Governor of Kaduna State, who instructed his Commissioner of Sports Development to assess the necessary renovations for Ahmadu Bello Stadium. This marked the beginning of the renovation efforts.
In his remarks, Governor El-Rufai expressed gratitude to President Buhari and Minister Dare for the pivotal decision to entrust the stadium to Kaduna State. He described the stadium as a national asset with the potential to attract significant investments and revenue, given its strategic location along the riverbank. The governor assured that the stadium would not only be upgraded to world-class standards but would also serve as a catalyst for economic and social opportunities for the state and aspiring athletes.
Dare further urged other state governors lacking federal sporting infrastructure to invest in sports facilities and support athletes. He highlighted that such investments could engage approximately 65 percent of Nigerian youth, significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.
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