The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has called for the immediate prohibition of political and religious activities at the MKO Abiola National Stadium and other national stadiums across the country, warning that the continued use of sports facilities for non-sporting events is accelerating their deterioration.
Shaibu made the call in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Ben Ogbemudia, stressing that stadiums were built primarily for the training and development of athletes and must be preserved for that purpose.
He expressed concern over the declining number of stadiums in Nigeria that meet international standards, noting that the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is currently the only facility in the country that fully complies with requirements set by the FIFA for hosting international matches.
The NIS boss recalled his tenure as Deputy Governor of Edo State, during which he supervised the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, stating that deliberate efforts were made to maintain the facility, especially the athletics track which was under warranty at the time.
According to him, the situation later deteriorated following disagreements with former Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, which led to the stadium being used for a concert by Nigerian singer Rema.
Shaibu said the event allowed heavy vehicles and equipment onto the pitch, causing damage to the facility and violating the contractor’s warranty agreement.
“Today, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium can no longer host international matches unless major remediation works are carried out,” he said.
He urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to work closely with the NIS to protect and restore sports infrastructure nationwide.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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