By Amaechi Agbo
As part of its agenda to consolidate grassroots sports development, the Nasarawa State Government, on Thursday, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of five mini sports complexes across five Local Government Areas of the State.
Representing the State Government at the function, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and Coordinating Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, told journalists at one of the proposed sites in Wamba Local Government Area that the event marked the formal commencement of work following the official handover of the proposed sites by the various host Local Government Areas’ Chairmen to the contractor, in a show of commitment by host communities to the timely delivery of the projects.
Kwanta described the initiative as Governor Abdullahi Sule’s deliberate strategy to decentralize sports infrastructure to reduce the overdependence on the Lafia City Stadium, expand access to grassroots talent, and create avenues for youth engagement and healthy recreation across the State.
He noted that siting one complex in each of the five designated Local Government Areas reflects Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration’s resolve to ensure equitable development and to position sports as both a vehicle for empowerment and a catalyst for social cohesion.
The Commissioner added that with the groundbreaking now performed, Governor Sule has fulfilled his promise to the people regarding the project, emphasizing that the Nasarawa State Government has set in motion a new phase of sports development aimed at catching them young, promoting wellness, and preparing athletes from grassroots for higher levels of competition.
Kwanta appreciated Governor Sule for approving funds for the legacy projects, and assured of adhering to all requirements to deliver the tasks as captured in the agreement between the State Government and the contractor.
The contractor, Joshua Adamu, Chief Executive Officer of Alansmith Nigeria Limited, after receiving the sites, assured that mobilization to all locations would commence immediately.
He further pledged to complete the entire projects within 90 to 120 working days, citing adequate work plans and the cooperation already received from the Nasarawa State Government, Local Government Chairmen, host communities and stakeholders as key enablers.
The Chairmen, Hon. Ezekiel Jagga of Wamba Local Government Area, Hon. Agbawu Mek Agbawu of Kokona Local Government Area, Hon. Idris Ahmad Danmagani of Keffi Local Government Area and Hon. Ahmed Baba Yahaya of Toto Local Government Area, in their separate remarks, expressed appreciation to Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Nasarawa State Government for siting the facilities in their domains.
They pledged to provide the necessary local support and to safeguard the infrastructure upon completion to ensure sustainability.
Also lending his voice was the paramount ruler of Wamba, His Royal Highness, Lawal Nagogo(Oriye Rindre), who commended Governor Sule for prioritizing Wamba among the benefiting Local Government Areas, as he offered royal blessings for the successful completion of the task, stressing that the project, when completed, will help curb youth restiveness and create jobs for people of all walks of life.
The delegation will climax their tour in Doma Local Government Area on Wednesday, next week, where the fifth project site is located.
The Mini Sports Complex, when completed, will feature a standard football pitch, sitting spaces, and other related amenities.
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