SWAN President Commends Gov. Sani Over Ongoing Upgrade of Ahmadu Bello Stadium

By Ikemefuna Asika

The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, has commended the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for the quality of work currently being carried out on the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
Benjamin described the project as yet another demonstration of Governor Sani’s unwavering commitment to sports development, youth empowerment, and the provision of modern sporting infrastructure in the state.
He made the remarks during an unscheduled visit to the stadium to assess the progress of the ongoing renovation and upgrade.
According to him, the extensive rehabilitation of the iconic sporting facility has rekindled hope among athletes, coaches, sports administrators, football enthusiasts, and other stakeholders that Kaduna State is steadily reclaiming its position as one of Nigeria’s foremost sporting destinations.
He noted that the quality of work at the stadium reflects Governor Sani’s determination to provide world-class sporting facilities capable of hosting both national and international competitions, while creating an enabling environment for discovering, nurturing, and developing young sporting talents.
The SWAN President observed that for decades, the Ahmadu Bello Stadium has remained one of Nigeria’s most historic sporting facilities, producing numerous athletes who went on to represent the country with distinction in continental and international competitions.
He stated that the ongoing rehabilitation would not only restore the stadium to its former glory but would also stimulate economic activities through sports tourism, create employment opportunities, attract sporting investments, and encourage greater youth participation in productive ventures.
Benjamin further noted that Governor Uba Sani’s investment in sports infrastructure aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to reposition sports as a viable sector for economic growth, national unity, youth development, and social inclusion.
“The ongoing work at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium is highly commendable. It is evident that Governor Uba Sani is committed to restoring the lost glory of sports in Kaduna State. The quality of work we have seen speaks volumes about the seriousness attached to this project.
“Sports remains one of the strongest platforms for youth engagement, peacebuilding, talent development, and economic empowerment. By investing in modern sporting facilities, the governor is investing in the future of thousands of young people across Kaduna State.
“I sincerely appreciate His Excellency for giving sports the priority and attention it deserves. This project will inspire athletes, provide opportunities for discovering new talents, and strengthen Kaduna State’s capacity to produce sportsmen and women who will excel at national and international levels.”
The SWAN President urged Governor Sani not to relent in sustaining the current momentum, stressing that continuous investment in sports infrastructure, athlete development, coaching education, and grassroots competitions would consolidate the gains already being recorded across the state.
He also called on the governor to sustain support for sports associations, educational institutions, and community-based sporting competitions as part of efforts to build a sustainable sports ecosystem capable of producing future champions and strengthening sports development at the grassroots.
Benjamin maintained that sustained investment in sports would complement the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and youth empowerment, while contributing significantly to the state’s socio-economic development.
He expressed confidence that upon completion, the upgraded Ahmadu Bello Stadium would once again become a major venue for national sporting events, football competitions, athletics championships, and other international-standard competitions, thereby reinforcing Kaduna State’s status as a centre of sporting excellence.
The SWAN President also appealed to stakeholders in the sports sector, corporate organisations, development partners, and the private sector to support the Kaduna State Government’s vision of revitalising sports, empowering young talents, and expanding opportunities for athletes across the state.
He reaffirmed SWAN’s commitment to promoting initiatives that advance sports development and pledged the association’s readiness to partner with the Kaduna State Government in publicising programmes and policies that contribute to the growth and transformation of sports in Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Benjamin added that Governor Uba Sani’s unwavering commitment to sports development would leave a lasting legacy for future generations, urging him to sustain the pace of ongoing projects and build on the remarkable progress already recorded in the sector.