BENIN CITY – Edo State Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has declared that the December 31, 2019 deadline for the completion of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium remains unchanged. He made the declaration when he led critical stakeholders on tour of facilities at the stadium.
The Deputy Governor voiced his optimism based on the state and quality of work already done as he led members of the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival marketing team with the visiting team from the Nigerian Breweries on tour of facilities. He observed that the main bowl and the supporting facilities were near completion.
Comrade Shaibu stated that there was improvement in the facelift of facilities, stating that it was an opportunity for the brand managers to see things for themselves as the state is set to actualize it’s dream.
He stated that opportunity had been provided, “For the marketing Director, Nigeria Breweries to come and see what we are doing here and see how we can partner to develop sports in Edo and towards bringing the state to the sports development iy wants to achieve with Edo 2020 national sports festival.”
Stating that brands don’t put in their money where they are not sure, “I had to bring them in to know what we are doing as our duty is to provide the facilities and environment while their duty is to come and run it and advertise their products. Our doctors who are here today are also seeing things to know areas we can partner.”
Comrade Shaibu said in terms of work done, “Everyday there are new things being done. The control office is as good as being completed, the four lights are up and already test run. The implication is that the deadline of December 31, 2019 deadline is on course.”
Marketing Director, Nigeria Breweries Mr. Emmanuel Oriakhi said, “The work here is impressive and meets international standards. We have always supported sports in Nigeria. We are the sponsors through the biggest beer in Nigeria, Star Lager. We are the biggest sponsors of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and we partner with other sports agencies in Nigeria.
“We are trying to give a future to the next line of Nigerian talents, looking towards creating opportunities to sprinters, football, tennis and the wonderful courts I have just been shown around for the sports festival. I am excited and really happy to be shown around the venue and facilities for the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival.”
Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Francis Okiye said, “Am impressed with what we are seeing which shows value for money that has been appropriated. I am happy to be part of this project.”
He assured of the “EDHA’s support to government whenever it comes up with projects which are of benefit to the people in complementary terms.”
Chairman, Medical Sub -committee and Chief Medical Director, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Professor Darlington Obaseki said the sick bay met with standards, noting that all Edo indigenes should be proud of facilities on ground which meant that there was going to be a great sports festival next year.
Project Manager, Peculiar Ultimate Concepts, Engineer Femi James said they were poised to meet the December deadline.
Jenkins Osunde, Chairman Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), stated that he was surprised by the level of work done; the delivery impeccable.
He praised the Governor of Edo state and his Deputy for the work they are doing, “Creating a platform for youths to be positively engaged and for activities to take place. Who thought this could happen? The work in this place is amazing,” he concluded.
