The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Isaiah Benjamin, has applauded Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, describing the project as a strategic investment that will restore the state’s sporting glory, create opportunities for young athletes and boost the local economy.
Benjamin gave the commendation after an unscheduled inspection of the iconic stadium, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, saying the upgrade underscores the governor’s commitment to rebuilding sports infrastructure and repositioning Kaduna as a leading destination for national and international sporting events.
He noted that the stadium, one of Nigeria’s most historic sporting facilities, had over the decades produced athletes who represented the country with distinction, adding that its ongoing transformation had rekindled confidence among stakeholders in the future of sports in the state.
“The quality of work speaks volumes about Governor Uba Sani’s determination to restore the lost glory of sports in Kaduna State. This is more than a construction project; it is an investment in youth development, talent discovery and the future of sports,” Benjamin said.
According to him, the upgraded facility will not only provide a world-class venue for football, athletics and other competitions but also stimulate sports tourism, create employment opportunities and encourage greater youth participation in productive activities.
He said the governor’s commitment aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to harness sports as a vehicle for economic growth, national unity and social development.
“Sports remains one of the most effective platforms for engaging young people, promoting peace and creating economic opportunities. By investing in modern sporting infrastructure, Governor Uba Sani is laying a solid foundation for future champions and inspiring a new generation of athletes,” he added.
The SWAN President urged the Kaduna State Government to sustain the momentum by investing in grassroots competitions, athlete development programmes and school sports, stressing that quality infrastructure must be complemented by consistent talent development initiatives.
He also called on corporate organisations, sports administrators and development partners to support the state’s sports revitalisation agenda, noting that public-private collaboration remains critical to building a sustainable sports industry.
Benjamin reaffirmed SWAN’s readiness to partner with the Kaduna State Government in promoting initiatives that advance sports development, expressing confidence that, upon completion, the revamped Ahmadu Bello Stadium would once again rank among Nigeria’s premier sporting venues and strengthen Kaduna’s reputation as a hub of sporting excellence.