Niger State governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has disclosed that the State government is to construct a 30,000-seater capacity stadium in the State which will be completed in no distant future.
A statement signed by Bologi Ibrahim Chief press secretary to the Governor said the farmer governor disclosed this when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Football Federal led by its President, Ibrahim Gusau at the Government House Minna.
Farmer Bago said the stadium upon completion will change the landscape of sports in the State as it will have accommodation, hotel, and a complete ecosystem required of a global standard international stadium.
The farmer governor also revealed that his administration is renovating the Bako Kontagora memorial stadium as the stadium has been in existence for a long time and needs to be overhauled.
He said the overhauling which is an interim measure will be completed within thirty days and will be ready to host the home matches for Niger Tornadoes football club in next season’s Nigeria Professional Football League Season.
Farmer Bago who acknowledged Nigeria to have one of the largest populations of youth in the world said, it is necessary to engage them actively, explore their talents, and prepare them for the future.
He disclosed that the idea of creating a sports commission is to move away from bureaucracy in sports where the commission will take over the entire activities of sports in the State.
Farmer Bago said the idea is to have professionals and experts who will be handful in helping to build the next future talents in football.
Farmer Umaru Bago also revealed that the State is organizing a street football to discover hidden talents across the State.
In his remarks, President, Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau appreciated the efforts of the farmer governor towards sports development.
He said, the desire of the farmer governor to build a befitting world standard stadium is highly commendable as it will avail the State the opportunity to host top matches involving the Super Eagles.
Alhaji Gusau also heaped praises on the farmer governor for his noble idea to organise street football which will provide avenue for the youth to be taken off the street and reassured him of the federation’s continued support
