Sports

SPORTS MINISTER INSPECTS NATIONAL STADIUM, SURULERE LAGOS

Published

2 years ago

September 1, 2023

…Identifies public-private partnership as key to sports development
In continuation of his inspection tour of sporting facilities across the country, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has inspected the facilities at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

He stated that the tour he is undertaking informs the commitment of the present administration towards the development of sports in the country.

Senator Enoh who disclosed this while addresssing the media shortly after the inspection of the facilities today, explained that sports is a peculiar sector that exerts so much passion in all Nigerians. This passion he added, led to the decision of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make the sector stand alone and also appointed him to pilot its affairs.

He explained further that the facility which was built in the 60’s, has been put to use functionally in previous competitions, including the 2nd All African Games in 1973.

Thus, if resuscitated, it will provide opportunity for the athletes not only to develop themselves but also showcase their sporting talents, thereby competiting favourably with their counterparts globally through podium finishes.

The Minister restated the Federal Government’s committment to the revitalization of the sporting facilities across the country in order to bring it back to its former glory, saying *we will do all it takes to bring back the glory of the sporting facilities across the nation with a view to providing our athletes with an enabling environment to thrive in their various sporting endeavours.

Senator Enoh who stated that the process of concessioning of the National Stadium, Surulere has gone far, added that if that is what it will take to restore the glory of the facility, he endorses it 100 percent.

He noted that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration identifies with the private sector, especially those who collaborate and join hands with government in resuscitating the dilapidated sporting facilities.

He therefore thanked private partners like Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chief Kessington Adebutu for their contributions towards sports development in the country, adding that Nigeria appreciates their efforts and investments in uplifting some of the sporting facilities in the country.

Senator Enoh informed that both Chief Kessington Adebutu and Aliko Dangote collaborated with the Ministry in the resuscitation of some facilities at the National Stadium, Surulere as well as the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The Minister therefore called on all relevant stakeholders, sports loving Nigerians, and the media in particular through positive reportage, to join hands with the Federal Government in ensuring a turn around of the sector, not only through infrastructure upgrade but grassroots sports development for the socio-economic growth and development of the country.

Enoh who was accompanied on the facility tour by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Director General, National Institute of Sports, Prof. Olawale Moronkola, some Directors of the Ministry as well as one time Football Legend, Daniel Amokachi, inspected the boxing complex, mainbowl of the stadium, sports medical centre, indoor sports hall, Games Village hostels, Legacy Pitch, the National Institute of Sports, (NIS),Power House, as well as the courts for different sports.

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Sports

Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

Published

7 hours ago

March 19, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy

By Joel Ajayi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.

“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.

He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.

Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.

Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.

“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.

The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.

In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.

Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.

The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

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