President Goodluck Jonathan who laid the foundation stone of the Akwa Ibom Stadium two years ago was on hand to commission the arena on Friday.
Assisted by two serving Presidents – Ghana’s John Dramani Mahama and Côte d’Ivoire’s Alassane Drmane Ouattara – as well as former President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana, Jonathan declared the edifice open at 6:15pm.
He paid tributes to Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State who executed the project in record time, pointing out governments in the federation sometimes initiated programmes which they were often unable to finish.
He said: “This has not been the case here.
“I therefore commend the governor for the achievement.”
Jonathan also pointed out the significance of Akwa Ibom State being the first to host three serving presidents at the same time on an occasion that had nothing to do with a major political or economic meeting.
The commissioning preceded the Nigeria versus Ghana football match.
Ghana’s president, in his goodwill message, deviated to commend the country on how the Ebola virus was contained and showed how Nigeria can achieve a lot if all work together.
President Mahama, who also spoke as the chairman of ECOWAS, remarked that the stadium will not just be a nest for champions of Nigeria, but also that of West Africa, Africa and the world.
He hoped that the arena will breed future Serena Williams, Nemar, Pele and other notable names of the world.
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