By; Zakari Haruna Isah
Kaduna State is investing multi-billion naira to transform the historic Ahmadu Bello Stadium into a world-class sports facility, signaling a renewed commitment to football development and youth empowerment.
The was stated at the Annual General Meeting of Nigeria National League, (NNL) where the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, was represented by Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.
Hon. Mamman Lagos delivered a passionate address highlighting the administration’s dedication to revitalizing sports infrastructure and supporting grassroots football.
He said that the upgrade of Ahmadu Bello Stadium which was originally built in 1964 is part of a broader strategy to position Kaduna as a hub for national and international sporting events.
The commissioner explained that “Kaduna has long been a cradle of football talent, produced legends like Garba Lawal and Rashidi Yekini. The state government is now working to restore that legacy by modernizing facilities and creating opportunities for young players and athletes.”
In addition to the Ahmadu Bello Stadium upgrade, the Kaduna Township Stadium is being refurbished to serve as the home ground for Kada Warriors FC in the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Hon. Sadiq echoed concerns raised by club owners regarding the need for improve officiating in the NNL football league, which he said undermines the integrity of the game and discourages investment. “We spend millions to sponsor clubs and travestates, only to be let down by biased officiating. This must change if Nigerian football is to thrive,” he stated.
He urged the Nigeria National League Board and relevant authorities to prioritize fairness, transparency and professionalism in the league operations, noting that improved officiating would attract foreign investors and elevate Nigeria’s global football reputation.
Beyond infrastructure, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos emphasized the role of sports in reducing crime and promoting discipline among youth. He called on fellow politicians to allocate more funding to sports in their state budgets and revive inter-school competitions to nurture talent from an early age.
0 Comments