The Enugu State government has allocated ₦10 billion for the refurbishment of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, as part of its efforts to develop sports infrastructure in the state.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, during the first management meeting of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2025.
According to Ekweremadu, the state government is committed to developing sports in the state, and the refurbishment of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is a key part of this effort.
“Enugu State government has earmarked the sum of ₦10 billion for the refurbishing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu,” Ekweremadu said. “Additionally, ₦3 billion has been allocated for the Awgu Games Village, ₦200 million for the upgrade of Sports Council facilities at Nkpokiti Road, Independence Layout, Enugu, as well as funds for building an Olympic-size swimming pool and rehabilitating the Indoor Hall at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.”
Ekweremadu noted that these developments are expected to enhance the state’s capacity to host national and international sporting events, including the 26th edition of the National Sports Festival in 2026.
The commissioner also revealed that the state is preparing to host the 2025 Coal-City International Marathon, which is expected to attract international athletes.
“We are already discussing with a reputable consultant who will partner with the state to organize the marathon,” Ekweremadu said. “We are expecting that international athletes from all over the world will participate in the marathon.”
In his assessment of the ministry’s performance in 2024, Ekweremadu expressed satisfaction with the achievements recorded during the year.
“The ministry achieved a lot in 2024, including hosting several sporting events such as the 1st National Council on Sports Summit,” Ekweremadu said. “Rangers International Football Club won the 2023/2024 NPFL trophy, and we also hosted the first Mixed Martial Arts Caged fight, which featured international fighters from Cameroun, Senegal, Kenya, and Congo, along with Nigerian fighters.”
Ekweremadu also noted that the ministry generated ₦20 million in revenue in 2024, surpassing its 2023 revenue by 300%. However, the ministry fell short of its 2024 revenue target of ₦24 million by ₦4 million.
The commissioner commended the staff of the ministry for their commitment and dedication to duty, and enjoined them to work harder in 2025 to enable the ministry to achieve its set goals.