Creative Industry

MKO Abiola Stadium Abuja Can Be A Major Tourist Destination If……FCT Minister

Published

6 years ago

June 18, 2020

…As FCTA, Sports Ministry partner on Stadium Rehabilitation

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has revealed that the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja can really become a major tourist destination within the country if the rehabilitation works are done properly.

To this end, the FCT Administration will partner with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for the rehabilitation of the in Abuja so that it can be utilized to its fullest potentials.

Malam Bello, made this disclosure when he received Mr. Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports in his office on Thursday, in Abuja.

According to him, the stadium is a very important public monument in Abuja which he said has not served its full potential. He said that after the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the stadium is the second most iconic public edifice in Abuja, noticeable immediately upon arrival into the city.

Speaking on working with the Sports Ministry to rehabilitate the stadium, Malam Bello said: “rehabilitating the stadium is going to be in our own joint interest, not only as an Administration but as a people … particularly now that it’s very clear that moving abroad for holidays or for short trips that were the popular pastime of many in Nigeria, is not going to be as it used to be”

“As a matter of fact, in the last two and a half months, flights have not flown out or come into this country. So, it is now that we will start to appreciate the beauty of what we have across the country. Each the time I go to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, I feel very delighted and proud that we have something like this in Nigeria”.

He advised the Sports Ministry to work out a long term sustainable plan with the private sector to open up the various facilities in the stadium for public use.

While offering the expertise of the relevant departments of the FCTA for the rehabilitation process, the FCT Minister said that attention should be focused on vegetation control, waste evacuation, and lighting. According to him, the stadium is exceptionally beautiful when lit up at night. He said that if the rehabilitation works are done properly, the stadium can really become a city within a city and be a major tourist destination within the country.

Speaking earlier, the Minister, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Dare, said that the Moshood Abiola Stadium was one of the four Federal Government stadia across the country and the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the iconic monument came back to life and full functionality for the benefit of the sporting community and the entire country.

In the words of the Sports Minister, “the stadium as it is, is not just for sportsmen and women alone. It is built in such a comprehensive way that it is a city within a city with a 5,000 capacity parking lot, a 64,000 capacity sitting arena, 54 executive suites furnished, all locked up that can be rented and given out; about nine different football practice pitches, Olympic sized swimming pool and eight massive generators. We have a stream that runs across it and a massive expanse of land to build a five-star hotel. We want to turn it into a piece of real estate and a sporting facility that will be the pride of this country and the pride of Africa and we think that the FCT will be a worthy partner”.

In attendance at the meeting were the Permanent Secretaries of the FCTA, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, and the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development Mr. Gabriel Tanimu Aduda and other senior members of staff of both organizations.

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Creative Industry

NTDA Moves to Transform Gelede Festival into a National Cultural Event with Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan paid a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration for cultural tourism development.

The delegation was received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba; Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi; the Bales of the kingdom; and members of the White Cap Chiefs. The visit commenced with a vibrant cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades, showcasing the rich heritage of the community.

Addressing the Director-General, the monarch applauded him for honouring the invitation and commended his efforts in leveraging his office to drive innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The monarch applauds the NTDA Boss for his initiatives towards repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on a global stage.

Oba Adeniyi further expressed his interest in fostering a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, emphasizing the community’s readiness to actively participate in ongoing efforts to develop and promote tourism across the country.

He highlighted key cultural assets within the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades; an important cultural symbol associated with fertility and childbirth; and two ancient iroko trees within the community, each over 250 years old.

In response, the DG appreciated the traditional ruler for the invitation, honour, and warm reception, stating that the visit was not only culturally enriching but also strategically important to the Authority’s mandate.
He continued by emphasizing the role traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.

He stated that effective storytelling is essential to unlocking the value of cultural heritage, explaining that documenting and sharing the stories behind cultural elements such as the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient iroko trees would enhance their appeal to both local and international tourists.

The NTDA DG further proposed featuring Igbobi-Sabe’s tourism assets in the ongoing NITOUREY Project, the first-ever tourism dedicated streaming platform in Africa aimed towards showcasing Nigeria’s rich and vibrant tourism assets to the world.

The meeting proceeded with a guided tour of one of the iroko tree sites located in Abule Ijesa, Yaba, where the Director-General observed that the site holds significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

He encouraged the traditional ruler to work closely with the NTDA in developing initiatives that would revitalize the historic landmarks, positioning them as prominent symbols of Nigeria’s cultural tourism.

The Director-General received royal blessings from the Monatch who wished him wisdom and success in his tenure, while expressing confidence in his leadership and vision.

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