N1.2 Billion Olympic Mini Stadium Commissioned In Kebbi
From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
The First Olympic mini size FIFA Stadium constructed at the cost of N1.2 billion was on Friday commissioned in Birnin-Kebbi the Capital of Kebbi State amidst pomp and pageantry.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, FIFA Head of Development Programme for Africa, Mr. Solomon Mundega, stated that the world football governing body was happy with the construction and commissioning of mini Stadium in Kebbi State as the state now has its own FIFA standard facility that can be used for local matches.
“This is indeed a realisation of positive development for the state as the Stadium is a first of its kind in Nigeria, this is why it is historic for us to come here”.
According to him, FIFA is working on another one in Delta State as well as another one of this in Abuja.
He stated further that, FIFA want to achieve the required standard for Nigeria such as the ones in Morocco, Tanzania and South Africa, adding that FIFA want Nigeria to have high quality facilities for its national team as training camps.
In his submission, the Kebbi State chapter Chairman of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Abubakar Cika Ladan, said the commissioning of the stadium was what the football federation in the state has been waiting for as the project would have been completed in 2021 but because of COVID-19 and other factors was impediment to its completion eight months ago.
Cika Ladan said the major problem being faced in football events in the state was lack of facilities for the players to showcase themselves pointing out that with football clubs in the state, they can train from the FIFA stadium before going for their matches.
In a vote of thanks, the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Alhaji Nurudeen Fingía thanked FIFA for constructing mini Stadium which is historic in the state.
