By Ado Salisu
The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Isaiah Benjamin, has praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for the ongoing renovation and upgrade of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, describing the project as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to sports development, youth empowerment and economic growth.
Benjamin made the commendation during an unscheduled visit to inspect the progress of work at the iconic stadium, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality of the ongoing rehabilitation.
He said the project had rekindled hope among athletes, coaches, sports administrators and football enthusiasts that Kaduna State was on course to reclaiming its status as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting destinations.
According to him, the upgraded stadium will provide world-class sporting facilities capable of hosting national and international competitions while creating opportunities for discovering and nurturing young talents.
Benjamin noted that the Ahmadu Bello Stadium has a rich history of producing athletes who represented Nigeria with distinction, adding that the ongoing rehabilitation would restore the facility to its former glory and boost sports tourism, job creation and youth participation in productive activities.
He also said Governor Uba Sani’s investment in sports infrastructure complements the Federal Government’s drive to position sports as a catalyst for economic growth, national unity and youth development.
The SWAN President urged the governor to sustain the momentum by investing further in sports infrastructure, grassroots competitions, schools and sports associations to build a vibrant sports ecosystem capable of producing future champions.
He expressed confidence that upon completion, the upgraded Ahmadu Bello Stadium would once again host major national sporting events and enhance Kaduna State’s reputation as a centre of sporting excellence.
Benjamin reaffirmed SWAN’s commitment to promoting initiatives that advance sports development and pledged the association’s continued partnership with the Kaduna State Government in highlighting programmes that foster youth development through sports.
