N11.3bn ‘jinxed’ Jos stadium wastes away

Plateau State people are in despair over the inability of successive governments to complete the multi-purpose sports complex stadium, estimated to have consumed N11.3 billion. The contract for the construction of the stadium was awarded in 1988 by the then military governor of the state, Major General Lawrence Onoja (rtd), and it was planned to […]

Plateau State people are in despair over the inability of successive governments to complete the multi-purpose sports complex stadium, estimated to have consumed N11.3 billion.

The contract for the construction of the stadium was awarded in 1988 by the then military governor of the state, Major General Lawrence Onoja (rtd), and it was planned to be one of the best in the country when completed.

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The imposing edifice, situated along Zaria Road in Jos, the state capital, has a 30,000 seating capacity.

The stadium is yet to be completed 33 years after and some of the fitted facilities like props, toilet fittings and seats have begun to decay while the outer environment has been taken over by grass.

Inside, the complex has been taken over by rodents and their wastes litter everywhere. The only appealing outlook is the main pitch which has a laid artificial turf and the race track around the pitch.

Various  administrations who came on board since the stadium’s conceptualisation and commencement of its construction, made heart-warming promises, did their bit, but left without any tangible result.

Still, there is lack of proper mobilization of contractors towards completing the project

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Victor Lapan said the stadium is yet to be completed due to lack of funds, adding that the state needs about N6.7 billion to complete it.

He said all the facilities in the stadium like the score board, and others, have been well secured since they are not in full use for now.

In 2016 and 2018, the managing director of firm handling the construction of the stadium, BCC Tropical Nig. Ltd, Mr Plamen Iliev raised alarm over the rot in some of the already installed facilities in the stadium as a result of the project’s abandonment by the government.

A resident of Jos who spoke to our correspondent, Dauda Bulus, said the stadium project began before he was born, but that up till now, its completion has been a mirage.

Bulus, 29, said the stadium would have generated tremendous revenue for the state and boost business activities and opportunities for the citizenry.

A player with one of the clubs in the state who spoke on condition of anonymity said the condition of the stadium is an embarrassment not only to the state but also the teams.

Governor Samuel Lalong, while speaking at a media parley with journalists at the new government house in Little Rayfield in Jos, said the state was working to ensure the completion of the stadium and was seeking partnership in that respect.

He said it is his wish that the stadium is completed because due to the weather and natural endowment of Jos, the sports complex would attract many sporting activities from across the country and beyond.

He promised to ensure the speedy completion of the entire facility.