The Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has committed to the completion of a world-class stadium in the state capital, Yola, by the end of March 2025.
This pledge was made during a meeting on Thursday with a delegation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by its President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, at the Government House in Yola.
Governor Fintiri expressed his administration’s unwavering dedication to the project, emphasizing its significance for the youth and the broader community.
“My administration has always been committed to constructing a befitting stadium for the benefit of our teeming youth population in this State and the nation at large. Your coming will definitely hasten the pace of this project,” Fintiri stated.
He underscored the importance of the stadium as a tool for combating poverty, youth restiveness, and juvenile delinquency. “Building the stadium is our own way of fighting poverty, youth restiveness, and juvenile delinquency. We know that when the youth have the means of empowerment and positive areas to channel their energy, all manner of vices and mischief reduce drastically in a society,” the Governor added.
Governor Fintiri also invited the NFF delegation to visit the construction site, urging them to provide feedback and suggestions on the ongoing project to ensure it meets the highest standards. “We enjoin you to visit the site and advise the government appropriately on whichever aspects we have left out or have not set out properly, so that we can amend and incorporate those observations into the project.”
In response, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau lauded Governor Fintiri’s efforts across various sectors and expressed optimism about the stadium’s timely completion. Gusau highlighted the challenges facing Nigerian football due to inadequate stadium infrastructure, noting that only the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo currently meets the standards for hosting international matches. “Your commitment to completing the stadium here in record time will help Nigeria Football, and ultimately become a magnificent legacy of your administration,” Gusau remarked.
Gusau further stressed the unifying power of football and its role in youth engagement, assuring the Governor of the NFF’s support in providing technical advice as the project progresses. He also recommended that Governor Fintiri sponsor an U17 Football Championship in Adamawa State, which would be organized by the Adamawa State Football Association to identify and nurture young talent.
The Adamawa New Stadium Complex had previously been overlooked by three consecutive administrations in the state. Governor Fintiri’s renewed commitment to this project marks a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing need for a modern sports facility in Yola.
The meeting was attended by prominent officials, including the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, Alhaji Auwal Tukur; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Edgar Amos; Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Adamawa State, Barr. Yakubu Wali; and several representatives from the NFF and regional football associations.
