Kaduna’ll Be Home Of Sports In Nigeria – Commissioner

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani is determined to make Kaduna State the preferred sports destination in Nigeria, by rebuilding facilities, upgrading infrastructure and developing local talents that abound in the state.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa on Sunday, said that the Governor is rebuilding Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) to a world class sports facility that will host international competitions.

The statement disclosed that the stadium which will have a 32,000 seating capacity after the reconstruction, will be the second most spacious after the national stadium in Abuja.

Speaking when he led members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on a project tour, the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said that the stadium will not just be hosting events but will be a tourist point for Nigeria, which will attract investment.

Maiyaki pointed out that some of the greatest football stars in Nigeria started their careers in Kaduna, particularly at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and ‘’we are going to reflect this history when the project is completed.’’

The Commissioner disclosed that part of the second phase of the project will be providing hotel accommodation for visiting sportsmen and women, adding that private investors have already indicated interest in that regard.

He promised that barring any hitch, the project will be completed by December and the stadium will not just revive sports, but will create job opportunities, attract tourism and investments to the state.

Maiyaki argued that the rebuilding of Ahmadu Bello Stadium and the attendant investments opportunities was made possible because of the prevailing peace in Kaduna State.

‘’The attainment of peace in the last three years is the major cornerstone and this underscores the commitment of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, towards making sure that Kaduna is no longer what it used to be in the past,’’ he added.

According to him, the fact that SWAN held its 2026 National Triennial Congress in Kaduna is ‘’a demonstration that Kaduna is peaceful, Kaduna is homely for anyone who wants to live or do business in Kaduna.’’

While congratulating Comrade Isaiah Benjamin for securing a second term as the National President of SWAN, the Commissioner described the association as a partner in strengthening sporting activities in Kaduna State.

The Commissioner also led the delegation which comprised the Principal Private Secretary of the Governor, Prof Bello Ayuba, the Permanent Secretary of the Sports Ministry, Mrs Dorcas Benjamin Tanko and other senior Government officials, to the upgraded Uba Sani Township Stadium.

Addressing the delegation, Malam Samaila Usman, an ex-cycling champion who has won eight medals for Kaduna State, said that the stadium has a 10,000 seating capacity and will host local league matches.

According to him, the stadium has dressing rooms for both home and away teams, a referees’ room and a media as well as a conference centre, adding that there are toilet facilities for each stand.

Malam Samaila who is a world class certified Level 2 coach, disclosed that Governor Uba Sani has been encouraging sports at the grassroots level by giving stipend to youngsters who show a lot of enthusiasm.

Speaking at the end of the facilities tour, the SWAN President said that the delegation has seen the quality of projects that Governor Uba Sani has been undertaking.

He said that beyond sports development, the Governor has restored peace in Kaduna State, adding that ‘’without peace, sports can not even thrive. And we support him 100%; we declare our support for His Excellency’s re-election because he has done well.’’