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Football Action Returns to MKO Abiola Stadium Abuja November, Says Contractor

Published

4 years ago

October 11, 2021

….As ministry Inspects the stadium

Joel Ajayi
The Contractor handling the renovation of MKO Abiola National stadium, Executive Director of project, Adedeji Adesoji, has revealed that the newly refurbished stadium project will be ready, come November 2021.

He gave this assurance on Monday, when the Ministry of Youth and Sports inspected the facilities in Abuja.

“We started this work in August, we supposed to finish in March but unfortunately, we have some hitches from the pitch, for example, underground drainage had collapsed after several years of construction, an additional work that took us another three months.

” After that we did all the work up till this stage, everything is working right now.
” We brought in the automatic Scoreboard for recording time, playback, fast-forward, and so many other things. Scoreboard is 100% finished.

“The grass is green, and some corrections are ongoing on the pitch, hopefully next month, we should be able to complete it.
He assured Nigerians that, after handing over of the project, the company will still be around for period of two years for proper maintenance of the edifice.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Development director sports facilities, Engr. Muhammed Babakoby, applauded the contractor for the progress made so far.

“We are here gathered to do the inspection on MKO Abiola Stadium and see progress made so far, but unfortunately the Minister and Alhaji Dangote can’t make it due to the Presidential retreat.

“The Minister appreciated the work, this is a great job.” He admitted.

It will be recalled that, the national heritage National stadium was abandoned for many years by the previous sports administration but the coming of the hard working Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, who is determined to ensure infrastructures are put in place across the country, fastrack the renovation through Private Public Partnership.

Based on Sports Minister’s appeal to the Private individuals to come to the rescue of sports facilities in the country, Alhaji Dangote group inject $1 Million into the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja and today, the new look is beauty to behold and waiting for use.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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