In a significant milestone for sports infrastructure in Nigeria, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, expressed his satisfaction with the completion of post-maintenance rehabilitation work at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Dangote Group and Aron Nigeria Ltd successfully handed over the rehabilitated pitch and scoreboards on Tuesday, marking the end of their two years of commitment to the project.
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Senator Enoh lauded the efforts of the private sector in collaborating with the government to enhance sports development in the country.
The rehabilitation of the National Stadium facilities by Dangote Group and Aron Nigeria Ltd exemplifies the positive outcomes achievable through such partnerships.
Senator Enoh emphasized the need for increased collaboration between the government and the private sector to further advance sports development in Nigeria.
“As a country, we are indebted to Dangote Group for the huge resources it committed to the rehabilitation of the National Stadium.
I look forward to more collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector to develop sports in our country,” stated Senator Enoh.
He urged the private sector to exhibit greater interest and commitment to investing in sports, recognizing the pivotal role sports play in shaping the destinies of Nigerian youths.
The Minister emphasized that, beyond its recreational value, sports has become a significant business, and the Ministry of Sports Development is ready to engage in fruitful partnerships with the private sector to harness this potential.
Despite the celebratory occasion, Senator Enoh addressed a crucial issue—the non-certification of the pitch at the National Stadium by CAF and FIFA, preventing Grade A matches from being played.
He expressed his determination to reverse this situation, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the pitch meets international standards.
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The national stadium’s importance in hosting Grade A matches, especially for the various National Teams of Nigeria, was underscored.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, praised the successful partnership between the government and the private sector, acknowledging Dangote Group’s substantial rehabilitation efforts as part of its corporate social responsibility.
He called on other stakeholders to make significant investments in sports development.
Representatives of the contractors, Aron Nigeria Ltd, including Soji Adeniyi, expressed satisfaction with the successful execution of the project.
Adeniyi commended Dangote Group for its sponsorship and timely payments, acknowledging the cooperation of the Ministry’s facility managers in completing the project.
Senator John Owan Enoh laid down a marker for the continued maintenance of the National Stadium beyond the handover, pledging that the Ministry of Sports Development would ensure the facilities remain in perfect condition.
The Minister of Sports Development reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to fostering a robust partnership between the government and the private sector, ensuring the continued growth and success of sports development in Nigeria.
