The Benue State Government has approved the sum of N243m for the upgrading of the playing turf at the Aper Aku stadium, Makurdi to international standard.
The State Commissioner for Information, Mike Inailegwu, while briefing newsmen after the State EXCO meeting said Governor Samuel Ortom was deeply worried and concerned about the risk involved in Lobi Stars travelling to Jos to play their home matches.
“We agreed to give a face lift to other facilities and structures at the Aper Aku stadium to ease the stress of Lobi Stars players who are compelled by the ban on their traditional home ground to be travelling to Jos to host their home matches in the NPFL.
“We had a two way contractual obligation to Momimichelle Sporting Facility Construction ltd which laid the astro turf and so was chosen to handle the upgrading of the pitch because of their expertise,” said Inaleigwu..
The Commissioner further explained that the sum of N65 million was also approved to the Ministry of Youths/Sports for the renovation of other parts of the Stadium which will be done by direct labour.
According to him, the decision by the State Government to urgently upgrade the Stadium has become necessary to cut down the risk, cost of transportation and unnecessary payment of hotel accommodation.
“We are giving the contractors not less than two and half months to finish work on the playing turf. So, whatever is the case, between now and April, the whole work should have been completed,” he said.
In a related development, he said the Council also approved the sum of N73 million to complete the ongoing renovation work on the McCarthy Stadium which is Lobi Stars’ official camp, in order to provide well furnished offices for club officials and accommodation for players.
It will be recalled that the Interim Management Committee of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), before the beginning of the 2023 abridged season, placed a ban on Aper Aku stadium for not meeting the required standard.
With the decision by the State Government to renovate the stadium, supporters of Lobi Stars Football Club will heave a sigh of relief with the hope of watching their darling team play in Makurdi again.
The Management of Lobi Stars, therefore, extends its warmest gratitude to the Governor, His Excellency, Samuel Ioraer Ortom and his Deputy and Chairman of the club, Engineer Benson Abounu as well as Vice-Chairman and CEO of Lobi Stars, Dominic Iorfa, for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices to sports development in the state.
