A stakeholder in Bayelsa sport, Ebi Egbe, has raised concern on the state government’s alleged investment of over ₦100 billion in a 30,000-capacity stadium, stressing that the sports facility needs to completed to avoid it becoming a white elephant project.
Egbe, a Bayelsa indigene who is the CEO of Monimichelle Sports Infrastructure Limited, said at the weekend that his concern stems from the ability of the job to be completed during the tenure of Governor Douye Diri and not abandoned.
“As a Bayelsan and a major stakeholder in Nigeria’s sports infrastructure sector, with our corporate headquarters in Yenagoa, my sincere prayer is that this project is completed within Governor Douye Diri’s tenure.
“Time is critical, because no one can predict the priorities of the next administration. If a future government adopts a different vision or places less emphasis on sports infrastructure, the Bayelsa Stadium project could become another abandoned or underutilized public asset,” he warned.
Egbe stressed that his many years involvement in the sports sector gives him the opportunity to speak as an authority. “I make this observation from many years of experience in Nigeria’s sports infrastructure industry.”
He therefore appealed to all Bayelsans, regardless of political affiliation, to support Governor Douye Diri in completing both the Bayelsa Stadium and the Sampou Stadium projects.
“Sports infrastructure is a long term investment whose benefits go beyond politics and beyond any single administration.
“Completing these projects now will create a lasting legacy for future generations and further position Bayelsa State as a leading destination for sports development in Nigeria.”
Despite his appeal to Bayelsans for the project to be completed, Egbe, decried the continued celebration of substandard football facilities within Bayelsa State’s football ecosystem.
“Nigeria still has very few stadiums that genuinely meet CAF Category 3 and Category 4 standards, even though a Category 2 stadium can also host FIFA and CAF competitions. I however decried the continued celebration of substandard football facilities within Bayelsa State’s football ecosystem.
“Massive concrete structures and attractive designs do not earn FIFA or CAF approval.
“The real test is the quality of the core football infrastructure: the pitch, drainage, floodlighting, dressing rooms, media and broadcast facilities, safety and security systems, medical facilities, spectator amenities, and every other requirement under international stadium regulations.
“I sincerely hope these critical main bowl facilities are fully captured within the proposed over ₦100 billion plus budget for the new Bayelsa Stadium.
He however hinted that the 30,000 capacity Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading football venues, but has not been fully utilized.
“My hope is that Bayelsa does not repeat the experience of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where a world-class facility has struggled for years to realize its full potential.
“The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium’s natural grass pitch also needs urgent re-grassing and sustained maintenance to preserve elite standards.
“A stadium’s true legacy is not measured by cost or architectural beauty, but by its ability to consistently host top level football, develop local talent, attract national and international competitions, stimulate economic activity, and remain sustainable for decades,” concludes the Monimichelle Chief Executive.
