Governor Aminu Tambuwal had disclosed plans to construct an Olympic size stadium in the state capital in order to fast track sports development.
The governor’s spokesman, Muhammad Bello, quoted Mr Tambuwal as stating this on Wednesday when he paid an unscheduled visit to the construction site of the Giginya Memorial Sports Complex, Sokoto, in preparation for the hosting of the national under-12 and under-15 handball competitions.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the provision of enabling environment for the promotion of sporting activities in the state, “so that it could reclaim its known position in sports globally”.
According to him, the state government would not relent in its efforts of providing ultra-modern sports environment for sports men and women in the state to display their talents.
Expressing satisfaction with the quality of the construction of sports courts and pavilions at the stadium, the governor directed the state ministry of youths and sports development to make a modest submission for the provision of a track in the stadium to boost athletic competitions.
Conducting the governor round the sports complex, the director of the firm handling the project, Masallem Engineering Nigeria Limited, Abuja, Danjuma Masu, said that handball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, lawn tennis and para soccer courts are being constructed in the complex.
He further said that the dressing room, referees changing room and media gallery were also being provided.
Mr Masu assured the governor that adequate security measures had been put in place for the maintenance of the facilities at the complex.
Also briefing the governor, the state commissioner for youths and sports development, Aminu Bodinga, said all the sprinklers in the stadium pitch which had been out of use for over 20 years have been reactivated.
