From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The synthetic turf of the Aper Aku Stadium which has been ridden with crisis has at last been completed.
Disclosing this in a chat with Peoples Daily Sports yesterday at the stadium, the contractor Mr. Ebi Eigbe of Monimichiele Sport Utility Development, MSUD, said the pitch which is made of coconut fibre and cork technology is the latest in modern football.
He added that if well maintained the pitch could last for over 20 years, guaranteeing that his company will ensure maintenance of the pitch for three (3) years.
Mr. Eigbe said the pitch could compete with the best in the country, noting that it has energy retention and as such players do not get tired playing on it
The contractor who praised the commitment of Governor Gabriel Suswam in sports development of the State, said same project is expected to be replicated in Oju local government in Zone C as well as Katsina-Ala in Zone A.
Whi,e frowning at the hiccups that characterized the late completion of the pitch, Monimichele blamed this on bureaucratic bottle neck often caused by civil servants.
“The Governor had confidence in me that I can do the job well and complete it because he had seen my job before and I believe I have not disappointed. I would also advise that Closed Circuit Television, CCTV, be installed here for security purpose”, he urged.
It could be recalled that contract for the renovation of the playing pitch was awarded since 2010 and was bid to be completed in 12 months time but it was stalled following disagreement between the contractor and Benue State over monetary review of the contract.
Delay in completion of the pitch forced the State darling team Lobi Stars to play their league games at Felix Atongo Stadium for over 4 seasons.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
