Sports
Ahmadu Bello Stadium: FG Formally Transfer Custody to Kaduna State
The Federal Government has formally transferred the custody and management of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna to the Kaduna State Government in line with the implementation of the National Sports Industry Policy(NSIP) which centers on sub-national governments as well as private sector involvement in sports development in Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare alongside the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, H. E. Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, who both signed the Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) on behalf of the Federal Government and Kaduna State Government reiterated the commitment of President Muhammad Buhari’s administration to sports development in Nigeria.
According to the Minister, “the signing of the MoU signifies the official transfer of the stadium which is long overdue,” adding that it follows the earlier traditions of transfer of Tafawa Balewa Stadium to Bauchi State Government and Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to Enugu State.
Dare expressed confidence that the Kaduna State Government will delevop and effectively manage the national infrastructural edifice for the benefit of the entire 19 northern states and Nigeria, stressing that sports infrastructure is the backbone of Sports development.
He urged other State Governors to emulate the Kaduna State Government who have spend over N300m to revive the formerly abandoned stadium making it accessible for sporting activities.
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai expressed gratitude to President Buhari and the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare for giving the State the opportunity to own and control the Ahmadu Bello Stadium bequeathed to the northern states by the late Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello who incidentally was an active sports man.
He stated further that some of his peer group, that grew up in Kaduna, see the stadium as an icon of tourist attraction and revenue generation.
According to the Governor, “we have very great plans for the stadium, we intend to modernize it to a world standard edifice suitable for everyone to watch football and other sports events,” he said.
The Governor also promised to revive the three Olympic standard Swimming Pools, and collaborate with the private sector in ensuring that all other uncompleted facilities within the stadium are fully completed and operational.
The highlight of the MoU signing occasion was a novelty football match between Team Dare – ‘Bonanza'(led by the Sports Minister)and Team El-Rufai – ‘Francis Lee'(led by the Governor) which ended in 2-1 in favour of the Governor’s side. The game was played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and watched by an appreciable number of people.
Sports
29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase
Joel Ajayi
With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.
The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.
Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.
Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.
For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.
President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.
The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.
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