Kaduna will be home of sports In Nigeria – Commissioner
Governor Sani Targets Kaduna as Nigeria’s Premier Sports Destination
Kaduna, Nigeria – Governor Uba Sani is focused on transforming Kaduna State into a leading sports destination in Nigeria by enhancing infrastructure, refurbishing facilities, and nurturing local talent.
In a statement released on Sunday by Chief Press Secretary Malam Ibraheem Musa, the governor outlined plans to renovate the Ahmadu Bello Stadium into a world-class sports venue capable of hosting international events. Once completed, the stadium will accommodate 32,000 spectators, making it the second-largest stadium in Nigeria, following the National Stadium in Abuja.
During a recent tour with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, emphasized that the stadium will serve as both an event venue and a tourist attraction that could draw investment to the state.
Maiyaki noted that many of Nigeria’s football legends began their careers at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and promised to honor this legacy through the project. He added that the second phase of the redevelopment will include hotel accommodations for athletes, indicating that private investment is already being sought.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the stadium’s reconstruction would be completed by December. He highlighted that the endeavor aims not only to revitalize sports in the region but also to create job opportunities, attract tourism, and foster investments in Kaduna State.
“The peace we have maintained in Kaduna over the past three years is a key factor in making this possible,” Maiyaki stated. “This commitment from Governor Uba Sani shows that Kaduna is evolving.”
Referencing SWAN’s recent 2026 National Triennial Congress held in Kaduna, Maiyaki described the city as a safe and welcoming environment for residents and businesses alike.
During the visit, the commissioner was accompanied by government officials, including Prof. Bello Ayuba, the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, and Mrs. Dorcas Benjamin Tanko, the Permanent Secretary of the Sports Ministry. The group also toured the improved Uba Sani Township Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 10,000 and is equipped for local league matches.
Malam Samaila Usman, a former cycling champion with eight medals to his name, discussed the stadium’s facilities, including dressing rooms, a referees’ area, a media center, and restrooms for each stand. He noted that Governor Sani is bolstering grassroots sports by providing stipends to enthusiastic young athletes.
At the conclusion of the facility tour, the SWAN President commended the governor’s initiatives, stating the delegation recognized the high quality of the projects underway. He acknowledged Governor Sani’s role in restoring peace to Kaduna, adding that without peace, sports cannot flourish.
The SWAN President expressed full support for the governor’s potential re-election, affirming that his administration has made significant progress in the state.
