NFA security advisor seeks effective utilisation of sports facilities at Rojenny Stadium

Garba Umar, Senior Security Advisor to the Nigerian Football Federation,has urged sports-loving Nigerians to look toward maximising the potential of Rojenny Tourist and Games Village, Oba, near Onitsha.
Umar, who made the call during his tour of the sports facility on Friday, also expressed delight at its state-of-the-art equipment.
He said it was unfortunate that the standard facilities and equipment for different games had not been put to use fully by relevant national sports federations.
Umar, who is also the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, decried the loss of revenue suffered by the owner and promised to take up the matter with the relevant authorities.
He said: “I am glad to be here, I never knew this massive infrastructure with facilities for different sports has been here for more than 30 years, the investor has done a lot.
“The stadium is so massive, the sports and recreational facilities are so many and they are excellent, it is interesting to know that some of the facilities are up to 30 years.’’
Umar said the football pitch, the lawns and the accommodation within the complex met international standards and called on stakeholders to take advantage of them in the interest of sports and youth development.
He said the owner should be encouraged through holding sports competitions, camping and competitions at the complex to enable him recoup the huge investment.
He said: “If I have my way, I will move with you to Abuja because if properly utilised, this infrastructure can generate so much income for the investor and revenue to the state.
“What we have here meets international standards, I have been to World Cups and Olympics, I was in charge of security in South Africa 2010 World Cup and I saw the facilities there.
“In spite of the fact that these countries are more developed, their facilities are not better than what we have here in Rojenny.
“This is something everybody should be proud of; I never believed that an individual can put something like this on ground; this is the real demonstration of bringing investment home.’’
Rommy Ezeonwuka, owner of Rojenny Stadium, disclosed that the facility was built in 1987 with a vision to groom youths in their chosen area of sports to international stardom.
Ezeonwuka recalled how Coach Fanny Amu-led 1993 Golden Eaglets were camped at Rojenny for two years and three months before they went to Japan to conquer the world.
He said that the team remained the best ever in that category and wondered why sports federations had not taken advantage of the quality of facilities and ambience that Rojenny offers.
He said: “The football pitch is FIFA standard, international club matches have been played here, tartan track here is one of the best in the South-East and environment is cool because everything is provided.
“This not just a football stadium which you now have in most places. It is a Games village but the problem is that the authorities are not using it.
“Nigeria can emulate Jamaica which used sports to liberate their youths from drugs and crime, their athletes dominate Field and Tracks at the world stage and make millions from winning medals.’’