17
Feb
Feb
BAYELSA STATE GETS NEW OLYMPIC-STANDARD STADIUM PROJECT
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Nicolas Adekeye / 3 weeks
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- 2 min read
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Olympic-standard 25,000-capacity Bayelsa stadium project at Igbogene, Yenagoa, as part of the activities marking the fifth anniversary of the Senator Douye Diri administration. The project is expected to be completed within 24 months. The Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, said the stadium project aligns with Governor Diri’s Assured Prosperity mantra, which prioritizes urbanization, sports, and youth development. Alabrah stated that the project will not only add value to the sports sector but also generate economic opportunities, provide jobs, and stimulate local businesses. Daniel Alabrah noted that the government recognizes the cost implication of the project but is determined to make it a reality. Dr. Jonathan expressed delight over the project, saying as a Bayelsan, he was duty-bound to celebrate with the state government for the progress so far achieved. He lauded Diri’s developmental strides, urging him not to rest on his laurels and that the contractor and the state government should ensure the project met the highest standards. Jonathan also called on the state and federal governments to set up a sports fund to cater for sportsmen after their active days and encourage younger ones to be involved in sports. Governor Diri called on oil multinationals operating in the state, as well as other government and private agencies, to support the project in line with global practice where big business brands support sports. He said, “This facility will serve as an inspiration for our youth – a place where dreams can take flight, talent can be cultivated, and champions can arise.” The Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, endorsed the project, with Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, pledging the Commission’s support to make the project a reality. The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, and his predecessor, Amaju Pinnick, also pledged support for the project, describing Diri as a man of his words.