By Muhammad B. Muhammad
In line with his commitment to transforming the sports sector, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has flagged off construction and completion of the first phase of abandoned Ultra-modern International Sports Complex in Yola.
The project conceived with the best of intention was abandoned by the successive administrations in the state and because of its importance to youths development, informed the basis for its completion by the Fintiri administration.
In his remarks at the event, held in the premises of the stadium complex along Yola- Numan road on Tuesday, Governor Fintiri said the sports complex will boost sporting activities and provide a right ground to harness the talent of youths in the state.
He added that the era of going to the neighboring states to play games by Adamawa sports contingents is over as the state will be hosting sports men and women from across the country when the project is completed.
The Governor said: “As government, we have dimensioned the significance of this project to our teaming youths especially our enthusiastic sports men and women and importantly to the investment climate in the state and came to a conclusion that the value it brings to the table far outweighs any pecuniary consideration.
“Globally, sport has come to play a critical role in human activities. It has transcended the bounds of recreation as we use to know it. It is now a therapeutic activity for both the young and the old. It puts the right icing on the cake of a healthy lifestyle.
“Above all it has now been elevated to a multi-fortune business industry where staggering returns are made on investment. We can’t therefore maximize the benefit that comes with the emerging status of sports without providing the right facility to promote it. The stadium complex is our modest initial investment in this enterprise”.
Governor Fintiri noted that sports is indeed a multifortune industry and its opportunities are boundless, calling on business communities to invest in it, since the government has provided the necessary enablers.
The State Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Barrister Wali Yakubu said the project which costs N4.7bn has a fifteen months timeframe, asking the contractor to ensure the work is executed according to specification.
The representative of the contracting firm, Aron Nigeria Limted, thanked Governor Fintiri for giving attention to what he described as a legacy project and assured its completion within the timeframe.
The Coach of Super Falcons of Nigeria, Mr Justine Madugu thanked Governor Fintiri for flagging off the project, saying its impact will cover Nigeria and beyond, as well as empower youths and women.
SAHEL REPORTERS.