From Esther Akaa, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, has assured of the timely completion of ongoing laying of Artificial Turf on the Hockey pitch inside the Lafia City stadium.
Ango gave the assurance Friday during a visit to ascertain the level of work being done by the contractor handling the project.
Speaking in an interview with journalists immediately after the inspection, the commissioner expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being done and called for its sustenance.
“The Hockey pitch is taking a new look gradually and the contractor has assured us that by next week they will be through with the project and that is why we are here to make sure that they fulfill their requirements. So far, so good, the work is going well,” he said.
He therefore, assured that his Ministry would soon come up with a template that would engage youths of the state in sporting activities to safeguard against involving in social vices.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Isaac Danladi, said Management will liaise with the government towards addressing other facilities for Basketball, Volleyball and Tennis Courts which require immediate attention.
“There are other facilities that are yearning for quick attention such as the basket ball and volleyball courts are there and again we are hoping that the Tennis court and other facilities that are not in the arena here that would also be looked into by the government to see how these facilities can be properly put in place and also put in use for our teeming athletes in the state.
“This by so doing will meet up the mantra of His Excellency, Engr Abdullahi Sule of exceeding all expectations in the area of sports,” he said.
The PS thanked the governor for his commitment towards sports development in the state and assured of the ministry’s desire to carry all youths along in its policies and programmes for the growth and development of the state.
On his part, the contractor in charge of the project, Engineer Peter Ajila of Reform Sports West Africa assured that the Hockey pitch would be ready for use soon.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Director of Facilities and Stadium Management, Yusuf Ahmad and Team Manager of Nasarawa United, Solomon Babanja and other staff to also inspect work on the football field that has been completed.
