The Federal Government has pledged to ensure regular maintenance of stadia across the country in line with international best practice.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, made the pledge on Friday in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Dare spoke at the formal hand over of the renovated main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development by the contractor.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Dangote Industries Group had in August 2020 engaged Aron Nigeria Limited for the renovation of the pitch under the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development “Adopt a Pitch” initiative.
Dare said the completion of the re-grassing of the pitch and installation of digital score-boards after some initial hiccups will indeed signal the return of international matches to the stadium.
He said as part of efforts to ensure adequate maintenance, Dangote Group has committed to the maintenance of the pitch for the next two years.
He said: “By the words of the experts here and those that have toured the facility, we have the latest grass here, Paspalum grass, one of the best, when we talk about football pitches across the World.
“Something exactly similar to what we have in Qatar, that will be used for the World Cup next year.
“We thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote for opening his doors to us, and accepting to adopt the Moshood Abiola Stadium when we came up with our ‘Adopt-a-Pitch’ proposal.
We salute his commitment that culminated in the completion of the project today, inclusive of maintenance for at least two years.”
The Minister said work was also going round the clock to also ensure the timely completion of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
He gave assurance that the Federal Government would continue to work with the private sector to build and maintenance sporting facilities in the country.
Earlier, Mansur Ahmed, Executive Director, Stakeholder Management and Corporate Communications, Dangote Industries Group, said the project was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
He said the vision of Alhaji Aliko Dangote remained partnering with government to upgrade sporting facilities to international standard in a bid to engage and arrest youth restiveness in the country.
“As we all know, Nigerian players are international, but until now, we don’t have an international standard facility and our commitment is to work with the ministry to make sure that this particular facility remains of international standard,” Ahmed said.
NAN reports that the occasion was witnessed by dignitaries such as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ismaila Abubakar; ex-international, Daniel Amokachi; politicians; and members of the corporate world.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
