The Enugu State government says it is committed to massive development of sports in the state.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports development, Lloyd Ekweremmadu said this on Friday in Enugu during the first management meeting of the ministry for 2025.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu by the Director of Press of the ministry, Dan Onwuegbuna, the Commissioner also gave insight into activities of the ministry.
He said that towards this end
the government had earmarked the sum of N10 billion in the 2025 budget for the refurbishing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
He noted with excitement the commitment of Gov. Peter Mbah’s administration towards the development of sports in the State.
He said: “Enugu State government has earmarked the sum of N10 billion for the refurbishing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
“Three billion for Awgu Games Village, N200 million for the upgrade of Sports Council facilities, at Nkpokiti Road, Independence Layout, Enugu. “
Ekweremmadu also said the government planned to build an Olympic size Swimming Pool, at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and rehabilitate Indoor Hall, of the stadium.
He said this would enhance the capacity of the state to host the 26th edition of National Sports Festival in 2026′.
“The ministry will dedicate this year towards preparing the hosting of 2025 Coal- City International Marathon .
“We are already discussing with a reputable Consultant, who will partner the State to organise the marathon, ” the Commissioner said.
According to him, the ministry were expecting international athletes from all over the world to participate in this year’s marathon’.
Ekweremadu appraised the performance of the ministry in 2024, and expressed happiness for their achievements in the year under review.
He said that the ministry achieved a lot in 2024, as it hosted several sporting events, such as, the 1st national council on sports summit.
“Also, Rangers International Football Club won the 2023/2024 NPFL trophy.
“We also hosted the first Mixed Martial Arts Caged fight, where international fighters from Cameroun, Senegal, Kenya and Congo, along with Nigerian fighters, fought for honours, ” he said.
According to Ekweremmadu, the State also hosted South- East boxing championship, the National under 15 NPFL youth football Competition ,Coal -City Half Marathon, among others.
He said that the ministry surpassed it’s 2023 revenue in 2024 by 300 per cent and generated N20 million revenue, four millon naira less than its 2024 target of N24 million’.
The Commissioner commended the staff for their commitment, dedication to duty, and enjoined them to work harder in 2025.
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