This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, and made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
The governor, who was represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, described the project as a vital one that would not only enhance sporting activities amongst the youth but would also go a long way in reducing idleness among youths.
“We need to engage our youths in useful ventures to keep them busy, healthy and relevant to our societal needs.
“The present administration, under my able leadership, is paying serious attention to sports development; this is evident in the revival of annual sports festival. Additionally, in line with our desire to promote sports and sporting activities, this government will continue to support clubs and associations to excel.
“We shall continue supporting Kebbi United Football Club and Beach Soccer Club to enable them compete favourably with other clubs not only in Nigeria but around the globe,” he noted.
He explained that the state government was aware that the stadium project “is a FIFA/NFF project aimed at grassroots soccer development constructed at the cost of $1,183,000, while the Kebbi State Government provided the four hectares of land and paid compensation to the tune of N19,000,000 to land owners.”
He thanked the Secretary General of the NFF, Dr Sanusi Muhammad, who facilitated the project as well as Alhaji Abubakar Ladan, Member of the NFF executive committee for their role in making the project a reality.
Also speaking, the FIFA representative, Mr Solomon Mudege, Head of Development Programmes – Africa FIFA, said the edifice would continue to serve both male and female footballers in the state.
He said, “We are proud of this project and this means that, people will have their own football facility that they can use locally for their matches. It is a dream comes to realisation and a positive development to sporting activities in the state.”
