Nasarawa Governor Sule Inspects Lafia City Stadium, Plans Major Upgrade
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, took a spur-of-the-moment visit to the Lafia City Stadium alongside representatives from a potential contracting firm, to discuss plans for a major upgrade of the facilities to modern standards.
The proposed renovation aims to enhance the Stadium’s capacity, infrastructure and amenities, positioning it as a premier sports destination in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement Tuesday by Eche Amos, Head of Public Relations, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Among the upgrade plans include expanding the seating capacity to accommodate more spectators and provide more electric atmosphere during events; modernizing the facility by installing state-of-the-art facilities, including new changing rooms, medical facilities, floodlights, media centres, indoor sports hall; and improving accessibility features to ensure the Stadium is inclusive and compliant with global standards.
Governor Sule highlighted the importance of investing in sports infrastructure to promote youth development, tourism, and economic growth, stressing that the proximity of the State’s proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is an added economic advantage.
“The reason we are embarking on this upgrade is that we want to provide a world-class sporting facility for our athletes, host international events, create jobs and ignite local economic activity, especially looking at our proximity to Abuja and other neighbouring States”, he remarked.
The Governor assured that the project would be completed within six months upon award.
“We are going to work closely with Engr. Emmanuel Eromosele [potential contractor] to ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.”
The Lafia City Stadium currently holds a capacity crowd of 7,500 spectators, and with the current plans for upgrade, the number of spectators’ seats could be increased beyond 10,000.
The Lafia City Stadium is presently the home venue to four major football league clubs in Nigeria, namely Nasarawa United FC (NPFL), Nasarawa Amazons FC (NWFL), Lobi Stars FC(NPFL) and Basira FC (NNL).
On ground to receive the Governor was the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, alongside Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan; Director of Facilities and Stadium Management, Ahmad Yusuf; Chairman of Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Galadima ‘Basira’, and the Management Members of Nasarawa United FC led by its Chairman, Solomon Babanjah.
The State’s Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport comprised the Commissioner, Hon. Mu’azu Adamu Gosho, and Permanent Secretary, Quantity Surveyor Mohammed Ibrahim Otaki, among others.
Engr. Emmanuel Eromosele spoke on behalf of the potential contracting firm.
