Minister inspects MKO Abiola Stadium, assures of improved facilities

MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja. Photo: BUSYBUDDIES

Sports Minister, John Enoh, has assured that government would ensure the resuscitation of facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, not only to meet international best standards, but also because it is a ‘definitive national monument.’

Speaking, after his first official inspection tour of the edifice, Enoh said the facility has the capacity to become one of the best multipurpose stadium complexes in Africa and as such government would ensure the maintenance of the current infrastructure with a view to making it better, in line with global standards.

He said: “Amidst the so much that I have seen here, the positives and the negatives, this stadium is a very definitive national monument. There is about nothing that you will find elsewhere that you cannot find here.

“However, from 2003 till date, the facility has gone through a lot. The ministry under my leadership will do all that it can, to get every part of the stadium functional, including the athletes’ hostel, because athletes must have the best, to be the best.”

Enoh explained that the tour was to enable him to understand the state of the edifice, and also find a systematic approach towards ensuring the development of sports in the country.

“We embarked on this tour because whatever one wants to do, we must do it from a standpoint of knowledge, and that is what I am doing. Yesterday (Tuesday) was my first day at work and I had the opportunity to take reports and briefings from all the departments. We are trying to be as systematic as we can, with the process,” he said.

The minister acknowledged that facilities and infrastructure were key components of sports, saying, “they are variables that drive both elite performance