By Patrick Omorodion

A 5,000 mini stadium has been commissioned in the Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to keep youths in the area busy, Chairman of the council Elder Joshua Eyo Asuquo has said.

According to Elder Asuquo, the stadium which has already gulped N35 million and contain 10,000 spectators fully developed, was commissioned on October 29, 2010 as he disclosed that the stadium has already started attracting events with the hosting of the zonal elimination for the annual NNPC/Mobil Athletics Championship.

Stating reasons for the building of the facility, the Local Government boss said that on becoming the chairman of the council in 2008, he discovered “the working class people and youths of the area were outside the locality and we decided to build the mini stadium to bring their attention and development to the area.”

He said that with the stadium, youths restiveness will be a thing of the past as they will channel their energy to one sports activity or the other, adding that it will attract some economic viability and investors.

“The stadium has also been selected as one of eight the centres for the Inter Local Government competition for the Governor’s Cup to be decided later,” Elder Asuquo said, adding that he expects the best from athletes in the area in both state and national competitions.

As a way of generating revenue for the council, the chairman said that fees will be charged for the use of the facility for social ceremonies while athletes will pay nothing to train there, adding that more facilities like, Town Hall, Market Stalls and bore hole fitted with generating sets will be embarked on by his council in the months ahead.