The Kaduna State Government says it is determined to make the state Nigeria’s preferred sports destination through facility rehabilitation, infrastructure development and talent promotion.
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Malam Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State.
According to the statement ,the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, stated this while leading members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on a project tour.
Maiyaki said Gov. Uba Sani was rebuilding the Ahmadu Bello Stadium into a world-class facility capable of hosting international sporting competitions.
He said the reconstructed stadium would have a 32,000 seat capacity, making it the second largest stadium in Nigeria after the National Stadium in Abuja.
According to him, the facility will not only host sporting events but also serve as a tourist attraction capable of stimulating investments in the state.
“Some of Nigeria’s greatest football stars started their careers in Kaduna, particularly at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium,” Maiyaki said.
He said the historical significance of the stadium would be reflected in its redevelopment to preserve Kaduna’s contribution to Nigerian football.
Maiyaki disclosed that the second phase of the project would include hotel accommodation for visiting sportsmen and women.
He added that some private investors had already indicated interest in investing in accommodation facilities around the stadium.
The commissioner expressed optimism that the project would be completed by December, barring unforeseen circumstances.
He said the project would revive sports, create employment opportunities, promote tourism and attract investments to the state.
Maiyaki attributed the ongoing sports infrastructure development to the prevailing peace in Kaduna State over the past three years.
