Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani, has commended the Federal Government for transferring ownership of Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) to the state government, saying it is an opportunity to facilitate social renewal and economic growth.

According to the governor, the state has formalised a decision of enduring institutional consequence; the transfer of ownership and handover of ABS from the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Alhaji Shehu Dikko, to the Kaduna State Government, subject to agreed safeguards approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the national interest.

Sani said in a statement that “this milestone underscores our firm resolve to reposition sport as a disciplined instrument of economic growth and social renewal”, pointing out that “since its commissioning in 1964, the stadium has not undergone the depth of structural modernisation required to sustain its status as a premier sporting arena”.

He said, “That era of deferment has now yielded to deliberate action. Comprehensive reconstruction is underway to expand capacity from 16,000 to 32,000 seats, positioning it as the second largest stadium in Nigeria after the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and among the finest of its kind in the country”.

He added, “Our purpose is precise to stimulate economic activity, strengthen sports tourism, generate employment, and attract investment”, while stressing, “beyond commerce, however, the stadium will remain a shared national asset, open to our national teams, federal sporting programmes, and events of collective importance; its gates will continue to welcome all Nigerians”.

Sani further remarked, “It is gladdening to add that the leadership of the National Sports Commission has commended Kaduna State’s prompt alignment with the transformation agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to establish sports as a viable economic driver. Kaduna has set a clear example; others are now embracing this strategic direction”.

While extending appreciation to President Tinubu, the National Sports Commission, and all stakeholders whose diligence has enabled this transition, Sani added that “we are confident that the renewed stadium will stand for decades as a testament to partnership and foresight”. (The Guardian)