Kaduna state government has assured Nigerians and sports lovers in the North that it would do every thing necessary to reposition Ahmadu Bello Stadium having budgeted N2 billion for the edifice in it’s 2024 budget.
Speaking on Wednesday while taking over the control and management of the Stadium from Federal Government, Kaduna state Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof Benjamin Gugong said the state would improve the facilities at the stadium and ensure it’s put to constant use for national and international competitions.
“The Ahmadu Bello Stadium was officially handed over to Kaduna state government on January 27, 2023 during the past administration to whom we remain grateful. Today marks a strategic shift towards a new era of sporting prominence for our state. This demonstrates our commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture, enriching the lives of our citizens and positioning Kaduna as a premier destination for national and international sports events.
“We are going to take a holistic approach in the rehabilitation of the stadium. The sum of N2 billion has been budgeted for the remodelling of the structures, for a start, in the 2024 Kaduna state budget that has been passed and assented. The Stadium remains a Federal Government property but it has been handed over to Kaduna state government for custody and control.
“We are discussing with the Police to host the next edition of the Police Games at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in the next two years. We will ensure that all sporting activities take place within the stadium and we are going to improve security at the stadium to ensure that everybody everything on the stadium is secured.
“We have to put the place in good shape and we have to maintain it then we have to put small amount as gate fees for maintenance just as we have it at the Murtala Square,” the Commissioner added.
