From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State government has set plans in motion to give the Lafia City Stadium a total overhaul in line with international standards.
On Wednesday, August 20, a team of experts from CENTARC Design Associates Limited, led by renowned architect and FIFA consultant, Arch. Gambo Ahmadu, visited Lafia to inspect the facility and recommend short- and long-term solutions.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, who represented Commissioner Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, said the move reflects Governor Abdullahi Sule’s determination to transform the stadium into a first-class sports arena.
“Governor Abdullahi Sule has so much passion for sports, particularly football. He no longer desires to see the facility undergo temporary repairs. He has directed a total overhaul of the stadium so it can meet both national and international standards,” Dr. Alhassan declared.
He added that the Governor wants a “once-and-for-all” job that would sustain the stadium for the next 15 to 20 years, allowing only routine maintenance activities.
According to him, the state has asked CENTARC to submit two proposals: one for full renovation of the stadium and another for the construction of a brand new stadium in Lafia.
“We will weigh our options and choose the one that is more affordable and doable, both in the short and long term,” he explained.
He stressed that with Nasarawa’s strategic location close to Abuja, the Lafia City Stadium could serve as an important alternative to the National Stadium when pressure mounts in the Federal Capital.
Speaking after the inspection, Arch. Gambo Ahmadu of CENTARC Design Associates said his company has decades of experience in sports infrastructure development, with landmark projects such as Pantami Stadium in Gombe, Kebbi Stadium, and Sokoto Stadium.
“Upon the directive of the Governor, we are here to assess the stadium with a view to overhauling it and making it meet the required status. Our recommendations will cover both short- and long-term measures to ensure the facility is fit for national and international competitions,” he assured.
Also present during the inspection were Chairman of Nasarawa United FC, Solomon Babanjah; Governor’s aide on Youth Development, Comrade Akashe Abdullahi Ari; and senior officials of the Sports Ministry.
