Kaduna Set for Sporting Renaissance as Ahmadu Bello Stadium Reconstruction Hits 75%

 

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Sports Development, Ben Kure, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing reconstruction and expansion of Ahmadu Bello Stadium, describing the project as a major step towards restoring the state's sporting glory.

Kure made the remarks during an on-the-spot assessment of the facility, where he commended Governor Uba Sani for his commitment to sports development, youth empowerment and economic growth.

He said the upgraded stadium would provide a platform for discovering new talents, hosting major sporting competitions and reviving Kaduna's historic reputation as a leading centre for sports in Nigeria.

Providing an update on the project, the Project Director of Maxy Construction Limited, Engineer Mathew Adeola, Amodu stated that the reconstruction had reached 75 percent completion, with major sections expected to be ready by December.

Stadium Expansion to Meet FIFA Standards

Adedamola explained that the project was initially awarded as a standard renovation but was subsequently expanded following structural assessments and evaluations.

He said the upgrade would increase the stadium's seating capacity from its original 15,000 to approximately 33,000, while introducing modern facilities designed to meet international standards.

The project features what is expected to be Nigeria's first modern hybrid pitch system, two auxiliary training pitches, upgraded VIP sections, advanced floodlighting, a main scoreboard and perimeter digital display screens.

Other components include a 1.8-kilometre internal perimeter road and a 2.8-kilometre security fence.

The Commissioner Kure said the completion of the major components would pave the way for the resumption of sporting activities and the hosting of competitions across Kaduna State.

He attributed the stadium's revitalisation to the partnership between the Kaduna State Government and the National Sports Commission, led by its Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, following a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in the year.

Kure said the initiative was also aimed at restoring Kaduna's legacy of producing outstanding athletes, including Dahiru Sadi, Rashidi Yekini, the Babayaros, Garba Lawal, Tijani Babangida and Daniel Amokachi.

Project to Boost Local Economy

Adeola said the construction project was contributing to the local economy, with between 300 and 400 workers engaged daily in concrete works, pitch installation, road construction and fencing.

He added that materials such as cement, granite, sand and steel were being sourced from vendors within Kaduna State to support local businesses and maximise the economic benefits of the project.

Kure said the investment in sports infrastructure would create opportunities for young people, stimulate economic activities and increase patronage of hospitality businesses and local traders.

He expressed optimism that the stadium's revival would usher in a new era of sporting activities in Kaduna.

“Kaduna is home again, and Kaduna is a place to beat in this country. We are in for a very big surprise, and in the very near future, we will experience real sporting activities returning to the glorious days of old,” he said.

The reconstruction is expected to reposition Ahmadu Bello Stadium as a major sporting destination, strengthen grassroots development and enhance Kaduna's capacity to host national and international competitions.