The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youths Development and Sports, Charles Akpuenika, says work has commenced on the Olympic stadium being constructed by the state government.
Akpuenika told the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Abakaliki that the necessary clearance of the site and perimeter fencing had commenced.
He said: “The benefits of the monumental edifice to the state are enormous as it will attract national and international football engagements to it when completed.
“It will also afford sports men and women in the state and beyond the opportunity of showcasing their talents due to the world class facilities it will provide.
“We are concluding plans to raise state football teams and the edifice will afford them the opportunity of excelling at the national stage.”
The Commissioner commended the state Governor, David Umahi, for his determination to construct the stadium, noting that it would propel the state’s sports sector to greater heights.
He said: “This project is coming barely two years after we renovated the Pa Ngele Oruta stadium, Abakaliki, making it one of the bests in the country.
“Ebonyi will soon produce soccer stars such as Augustine Okocha, Emmanuel Amuneke among others as the political will to achieve this has been demonstrated by the governor.”
Akpuerenika noted that the finals of the Divine Mandate Super Cup and the state School Sports will commence on April 28.
He said: “We will start with the Divine Mandate Super Cup, which will produce the champion among the 24 state constituencies.
“The school sports finals will commence immediately the divine mandate cup ends, and we assure that both will be concluded before the May 29 handover event in the country.”
