By Grace Akpan in Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Government says the completion of the ultramodern 18,000 capacity Eket Sports stadium is in sight, with the planned reopening of airports for resumption of flights. The Government position was made known by the Commissioner for Information, Sir Charles during an on-the-spot assessment tour of the magnificent world class sport stadium, which was scheduled for completion this year.
Sir Charles Udoh reiterated that, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, being a sports-loving Governor with the commitment towards transforming and boosting the sports sector, had made available all necessary requirements for the completion of the statium on record time, but met with setbacks posed by the global lockdown as occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He expressed with optimism that with the planned reopening of airports by governments of different countries, including the Federal Government of Nigeria, the expatriates that were being expected in the state for the finishing aspects of the stadium, whobhad been locked down in Turkey due to the global COVID-19 pandemic will now be able to fly into the Country and indeed to Akwa Ibom State.
"There is fresh hope that, the completion of the Eket stadium is now in sight as the expatriates handling the completion work of the stadium, including: roofing and other fixtures will now be able to gain entry into Nigeria and Onward to Akwa Ibom State to continue with the completion work of the stadium", Udoh stated.
The State Information helmsman who embarked on the tour with members of the State Government Information Management Team said, the Stadium on completion will not only boost sports development but will be a major economic catalyst as a lot of income generating activities will be spinning round the facility.
Udoh emphasized that, in addition to serving as a veritable training outlet for athletes and budding sports men and women, the Eket Sports stadium will also open up avenue for job creation, wealth creation and poverty alleviation for the teeming youths of Eket and its environs and indeed the people of Akwa Ibom State with its numerous value chain opportunities.
Explaining that the stadium has lock-up shops for sales of sporting kits, wears, tools and accessories, the State Information helmsman said, the stadium also has apartments for bar and restaurant businesses for interested members of the public.
According to Sir Charles Udoh, the Eket stadium will not only be used for football tournaments as it has also been designed for other sporting and athletic activities such as tartan track events, field events such as high jump, long jump, Javaline and Discus as well as providing a pitch for the training of weight lifters.
On the preference of synthetic football pitch to the natural grass football field, the state Information Boss said, synthetic football pitch is in line with international best practices, coupled with the fact that, it is easy to maintain and manage.
The on-the-spot assessment tour of government projects continues with the Commissioner for Information, Sir Charles Udoh and his team of state government information managers to other parts of the state, geared at increased publicity and enlightenment.
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