The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom
Wike, on Monday joined the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC),
Mallam Shehu Dikko, to officially flag off the construction of a Multi-event
Sports Center at Kafe District, Abuja. The facility, being developed by the FCT
Administration, is one of three prototype sports complexes planned for the
territory.
Both officials said the project aligns with President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of repositioning sports beyond tournaments and
leisure, to becoming a vehicle for youth empowerment, job creation, economic
growth, enhanced security, and national unity.
Dikko described the project as a strategic boost to
Nigeria’s ongoing bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. “What Mr. Project (Wike)
is doing with this initiative clearly aligns with the President’s vision for
the restructuring of the sports sector. Sports is no longer just about
competitions; it must drive our economy, create jobs, and serve as a platform
for wealth creation,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria has the potential to become a
leading exporter of sporting talent if grassroots development and world-class
facilities are prioritized, citing Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco as African
examples.
The NSC Chairman thanked Wike for his support of the
Commonwealth Games bid and pledged the Commission’s collaboration with the FCTA
to ensure facilities meet international standards. He also commended the
ongoing redevelopment of the Area 10 and Area 3 stadiums in Abuja.
In his remarks, Wike reiterated that sports under
Tinubu’s administration is a key economic driver. “Sports is no longer all
about fitness. It is one of the sectors that sustains many countries’
economies. Brazil exports talents that impact its economy, and Nigeria can do
the same—but not without quality facilities,” the minister said.
He added that the project directly ties into the
President’s eight-point agenda on youth empowerment and job creation, stressing
that the new center would be privately managed to guarantee sustainability.
The Multi-event Sports Center, scheduled for completion in June 2026, will feature a standard football pitch, two practice pitches, nine mini pitches, four tennis courts, basketball courts, squash courts, badminton facilities, and other sporting amenities.
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