By Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has commenced the clearing of 40 hectares of land at Igbogene, Yenagoa Local Government Area, for the construction of a 25,000-capacity stadium.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, disclosed this during a site inspection to assess the progress made by the contractor.
He expressed satisfaction with the speed of work, noting that the project is expected to be completed within 24 months.
Dr. Igali disclosed that the stadium would be a multi-purpose facility featuring two training pitches, swimming and diving pools, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, a table tennis hall, and eight additional halls for other sports.
It will also include state-of-the-art Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, making it the most modern stadium in Nigeria.
He explained that Igbogene was chosen for the project due to its ample land area, which spans 40 hectares—double the size of the previously earmarked site.
The commissioner also noted that the contractor for the project would be unveiled next week following the completion of a competitive bidding process involving five companies.
Dr. Igali emphasized that the stadium’s construction aligns with the government’s vision of hosting the 2028 National Sports Festival in Bayelsa State.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs. Grace Alagoa, commended Governor Douye Diri for his commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.
Similarly, the Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi, described the project as a significant step towards nurturing athletes and consolidating the state’s achievements in sports over the past five years.
Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, CEO of Ama-ebi Consultants Ltd, the contractor handling the site clearing, reported that 60% of the work had been completed within eight days, with the remainder expected to be finished in one week.
The ambitious stadium project underscores Bayelsa’s commitment to advancing sports infrastructure and creating opportunities for youth development.
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