By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
Kaduna State is set to emerge as Nigeria’s preferred sports destination, with Governor Uba Sani’s administration rebuilding major sporting facilities, upgrading infrastructure, and nurturing talent across the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this while leading members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on an inspection tour of ongoing sports projects in the state.
Maiyaki said the reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, was part of the government’s efforts to reposition the state as a major destination for local and international sporting events.
According to him, the reconstructed stadium will have a seating capacity of 32,000, making it the second-largest stadium in Nigeria after the National Stadium, Abuja.
He said the facility would not only host sporting competitions but would also serve as a tourist attraction capable of stimulating investment and creating employment opportunities.
“Some of the greatest football stars in Nigeria started their careers in Kaduna, particularly at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. We are going to reflect this history when the project is completed,” Maiyaki said.
The commissioner disclosed that the second phase of the project would include hotel accommodation for visiting sportsmen and women, noting that some private investors had already indicated interest in the development.
He expressed optimism that the stadium project would be completed by December, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Maiyaki said the revitalisation of the stadium and other sports facilities would help revive sporting activities, create jobs, boost tourism and attract investments to the state.
He attributed the renewed investment in sports infrastructure to the improved security situation in Kaduna, saying peace remained a critical foundation for economic and sporting development.
“The attainment of peace in the last three years is the major cornerstone. This underscores the commitment of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, towards making sure that Kaduna is no longer what it used to be in the past,” he said.
The commissioner added that SWAN’s decision to hold its 2026 National Triennial Congress in Kaduna demonstrated growing confidence in the state’s security and business environment.
“Kaduna is peaceful; Kaduna is homely for anyone who wants to live or do business in Kaduna,” he said.
Maiyaki congratulated Isaiah Benjamin on his re-election as National President of SWAN, describing the association as an important partner in the development of sports in Kaduna State.
The commissioner was accompanied on the tour by the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Prof. Bello Ayuba; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Mrs Dorcas Benjamin Tanko; and other senior government officials.
The delegation also inspected the upgraded Uba Sani Township Stadium.
Speaking during the inspection, former cycling champion and eight-time medal winner for Kaduna State, Samaila Usman, said the stadium had a seating capacity of 10,000 and would host local league matches.
Usman said the facility had dressing rooms for home and away teams, a referees’ room, media facilities, a conference centre and toilet facilities for each stand.
He said the governor was also encouraging grassroots sports development by providing stipends to young people who demonstrate commitment and potential in sporting activities.
In his remarks after the tour, SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin, commended the quality of the projects undertaken by the Kaduna State Government.
Benjamin said sports development could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, commending the governor for what he described as his efforts to restore peace in the state.
“Without peace, sports cannot even thrive. And we support him 100 per cent; we declare our support for His Excellency’s re-election because he has done well,” he said.
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