FG hands over Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to Enugu State Government

The Federal Government has handed over the management of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to the Enugu State Government.

The representative of the Federal Government and Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, said the event followed the approval by President Goodluck Jonathan, of an application to that effect made by the Enugu State Government.

He spoke during the handover ceremony at the Government House, Enugu,

Elegbeleye said that the state had over the years collaborated with the Federal Government in maintaining and rehabilitating the stadium, adding that it made huge financial investments in the provision of vital facilities for the successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2009.

'This act convinced the Federal Government that the Enugu State Government was capable of maintaining the stadium in line with approved international standards', he said.

Noting that Sports was a unifying factor and a tool for international diplomacy and creation of wealth, he enjoined other states in the country to emulate the Enugu State example in the development and maintenance of sports infrastructure.

He further commended the reactivation of the school sports by the State Government.

This, he said, would greatly enhance the discovery of talents for the benefit of the country.

Responding on behalf of the State Government, Governor Chime expressed delight at the return of the stadium to the State assuring that it would be better managed under the state ministry of Sports and Youth Development.

He said that his request for the return of the stadium was prompted by the decision of the Federal Government to sell some of the facilities there, adding that this had created anxiety in the State that the whole Stadium could be sold to outsiders.

The Governor, therefore, commended President Jonathan for his prompt response to his request and assured that the stadium would not only be well managed but would also be open to and accessible to all and sundry.

'All we are interested in is just to promote sports. Take our assurances on this to the Federal Government and be rest assured that the standard will go up rather than go down', Governor Chime said