The man may not be known as a sports person, but the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has taken on, probably, his greatest challenge as Minister.
At a recent Press conference the Minister promised to render all needed support to make the African Military Games memorable and a huge success.
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Does part of that support include the renovation of the dilapidated facilities at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abuja?
Can the stadium actually be renovated and delivered in time to host the biggest sports event in Africa after the All African Games?
All eyes are trained now on the ‘action minister of Abuja’, to attempt to do what ‘Napoleon could not do’ – fix in 3 weeks a feat that has been unachievable for over 10 years, and restore Nigeria’s pride. The Stadium is one of the most beautiful sports monuments in Africa.
The practical option now is to limit renovation target to only the facilities in the main bowl – the tracks and playing field. All other events can be held in other venues around Abuja. This way the MKO Abiola International Stadium will only host the Opening and Closing ceremonies, the Athletics Track and Field events, and, probably, the final of the football event.
With the high expectations of the deliverables from the games, we can only wait, watch and see what Barrister Nyesom Wike will do. If anyone can do it, from his antecedents, he can!
Dr. Olusegun Odegbami MON, OLY, AFNIIA, FNIS.
