By BENSON EZUGWU

The Enugu State Government says it has earmarked N10 billion for the renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Lloyd Ekweremmadu, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, said this on Friday in Enugu during the first management meeting of the ministry for 2025.

Ekweremmadu said the state governor Peter Mbah was committed to developing sports in the state, especially at the grassroots.

?Enugu State government has earmarked the sum of N10 billion for the refurbishing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu; this is captured in the 2025 budget.

?Also, 3 billion naira has been budgeted for Awgu Games Village, while N200 million will be for the upgrade of facilities at the Enugu Sports Council secretariat, located at Nkpokiti Road, Independence Layout, Enugu,? he said.

Ekweremmadu also said the government had planned to build an Olympic size swimming pool inside the stadium, while the Indoor Hall of the stadium would be rehabilitated.

This, he said would enhance the capacity of the state to host the 26th edition of the National Sports Festival in 2026.

?The ministry will dedicate this year towards preparing for the hosting of the 2025 Coal-City International Marathon.

?We are already discussing with a reputable consultant who will partner the state to organise the marathon,? Ekweremmadu said.

According to him, international athletes from all over the world will participate in the marathon.

Ekweremmadu highlighted the achievements recorded in the sector in the state for 2024, saying that they were commendable.

?The ministry achieved a lot in 2024, as it hosted several sporting events such as the 1st National Council on Sports Summit.

?Also, Rangers International Football Club won the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

?We also hosted the first Mixed Martial Arts Caged fight, where Nigerian fighters fought for honours alongside international fighters from Cameroun, Senegal, Kenya and Congo.

?The state also hosted the South-East Boxing Championship, the National Under 15 NPFL Youth Football Competition, Coal -City Half Marathon, among others.

Ekweremmadu said that the ministry surpassed its 2023 revenue target in 2024 by 300 per cent, as it generated N20 million revenue, four million naira less than its 2024 target of N24 million.

The commissioner commended the staff for their commitment, dedication to duty and enjoined them to work harder in 2025. (NAN)

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