NASS Partners NSC On Sports Facilities

The House of Represen
tative Committee, on Sports, has pledged its readiness to partner with the National Sports Commission (NSC) on the restoration of sports facilities in the country through proper legislation.
The Chairman of the committee Mr Geoffrey Gaya gave the pledged during his members’ official inspection of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
Gaya said that the committee was aware that the N1 billion allocated for the maintenance of the six national stadiums in the country was grossly inadequate.
He advised the commission to find other means to ensure that the stadiums remained in good shape.
“I advise the commission not to wait for government alone, but can devise other means to keep these facilities in shape by partnering with private investors to achieve this goal.
“The commission can also allow for proper utilisation of the facilities by allowing members of the public to use them on rental so that the facilities will not lay idle,’’ he said.
Gaya expressed satisfaction with the current state of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and commended the commission’s Zonal Coordinator Zone A, Dr Ademola Aare “for keeping the stadium in good shape in spite of the lean budget”.
“It is a good thing to come to Ahmadu Bello Stadium, which was built 49 years ago and still find it in good shape, especially the main turf,’’ the chairman said.
Gaya called on the NSC to complete the hostel project at the stadium which had been abandoned for long.
He advised Aare to continue with the good work, saying that the committee would be back soon for another round of inspection.
Responding, Aare commended the efforts of the Kaduna State Government and individuals for supporting the commission.