The Federal Government has formally handed back the management of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to the Enugu State Government.

At the handover ceremony held yesterday at the Government House, Enugu, the representative of the Federal Government and Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, said that the event followed   the approval by President Goodluck Jonathan, of an application to that effect made by the Enugu State Government.

He noted that the state had over the years collaborated with the Federal Government in maintaining and rehabilitating the Stadium saying it had made huge financial investments in the provision of vital facilities for the successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2009. Hon. Elegbeleye added that “This act convinced the Federal Government that the Enugu State Government was capable of maintaining the Stadium in line with approved international standards”.

L-R: Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime receives documents
transferring the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu to Enugu State
Government from the Director-General, National Sports Commission,
Gbenga Elegbeleye at the Government House, Enugu.

Noting that Sports was a unifying factor and a tool for international diplomacy and creation of wealth, he enjoined other states in the country to emulate the Enugu State example in the development and maintenance of sports infrastructure.

He further commended the reactivation of the School Sports by the State Government saying that it will greatly enhance the discovery of talents for the benefit of the country.

Responding on behalf of the State Government, Governor Chime expressed delight at the return of the Stadium to the State assuring that it will be better managed under the state ministry of Sports and Youth Development.

He said that his request for the return of the Stadium was prompted by the decision of the Federal Government to sell some of the facilities there adding that this had prompted anxiety in the State that the whole Stadium could be sold to outsiders.

The Governor therefore commended President Jonathan for his prompt response to his request and assured that the Stadium will not only be well managed but will also be open to an accessible to all and sundry.