Sports
Infrastructures Are Key to Sports Development”, Sunday Dare Explains Reasons For His Administration’s Infrastructure Drive
One of the hallmarks that has added the success of Hon. Sunday Dare as Nigeria’s Youth and Sports Minister is the unprecedented revamp of sports infrastructures in the country.
Since the start of Sunday Dare’s tenure, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja has been revived and has gone on to pass the FIFA and CAF test, as it has hosted a number of international matches. Also, the National Stadium, Surulere which was abandoned for years is on the verge of being completely turned around. Moreso, the Daura Township Stadium has been transformed for the utilization of about 45 teams in the area, after the famous ground was left to rot. The Ahmadu Bello Stadium and other facilities are also set for transformation under the wholesome plans of the ministry, led by Hon. Sunday Dare.
Speaking on this infrastructure development drive, Sunday Dare said “we came to the realization that at the heart of sports development is to have infrastructures and facilities that are befitting for such lofty ambitions. So my team and I, set out a grand plan to change the narrative on sports infrastructures in Nigeria”.
“Due to the capital-intensive nature of these projects, we engaged the private sector to see how we could leverage on public-private partnerships and we brought the private sector on board”.
One of the transformed infrastructures is the Moshood Abiola Stadium. A once abandoned edifice has now hosted the Super Eagles, the Super Falcons, the Falconets (U-20 Girls), the Flying Eagles (U-20 Boys), the Flamingoes (U-17 Girls), Golden Eaglets (U-17 Boys), as well as NPFL Matches, all in the space of one year. The stadium is also compliant with the VAR technology, modern FIFA-approved technical and players’ bench amongst others.
Answering further, the Minister said, “when we started, we visited FIFA, and at that point, we all agreed that a football nation as big as Nigeria cannot be suffering a huge gap in Infrastructures and we set out to correct this anomaly. We are not where we want to be, but we will not stop working to get as many facilities as a possibile up to scratch. We are not just upgrading our facilities, we are also putting up maintenance deals because this is the only way to guarantee their longevity”.
While this drive continues, one could posit that, in the coming years, Nigeria will be able to compete with contemporaries on its sporting infrastructures.
Sports
14 DAYS TO GO: Abuja Prepares for the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon
In 14 days, the Federal Capital Territory will host one of the most anticipated sporting events on the African athletics calendar, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon.
This event is more than just a race, it represents a convergence of sport, tourism, community and national pride.
Thousands of runners, elite athletes, professional clubs, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and first-time participants will take to the streets of Abuja for a 21.1km test of endurance, discipline and determination.
The marathon race is designed to showcase the beauty and vibrancy of the city, will wind through its major districts, offering participants and spectators a unique view of Nigeria’s capital at its finest, orderly, energetic and alive.
Nilayo Sports Limited, the organizer of the marathon, says its partnership reflects a deeper commitment beyond organizing a race, a commitment to wellness, youth empowerment, and the promotion of Nigeria as a destination for world-class sporting events.
“We believe in building excellence, and there is no better symbol of excellence than the marathon where consistency, preparation and resilience meet,” Nilayo Sports Limited noted.
As the countdown continues, organizers have intensified preparations from route safety and medical support to logistics, timing systems and volunteer mobilization to ensure a seamless experience for athletes and spectators alike.
The marathon offers prize money and global ranking points for elite runners. While it offers something far more valuable for everyday runners, the opportunity to be part of history.
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