TheNewsGuru

Tag: Stadium

  • Why Warri Stadium rehabilitation contract was terminated -DTSG gives reasons

    Why Warri Stadium rehabilitation contract was terminated -DTSG gives reasons

    Delta State Government has terminated the contract for the rehabilitation of Warri Township Stadium due to non-performance.

    The State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, disclosed this to journalists during a press briefing at the end of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban), Comrade Reuben Izeze while explaining reasons why the contract was terminated, said the state government was not satisfied with the pace of work, adding that the contractor if allowed, would not be able to deliver the job which was originally billed for completion in 24 months.

    According to him, “as you are aware, Governor Oborevwori, in the course of his inaugural address, promised Deltans that the MORE Agenda was going to be his working document.

    “He stated clearly that Asaba will continue to receive its pride of place as our state capital and Warri will also receive a face-lift.

    “Consequent upon that commitment that he made to Deltans, today, Exco approved the termination of the existing contract for the rehabilitation of the Warri Township Stadium.

    “Exco, in its wisdom, under the guidance of the Governor, has discovered that the contracting firm handling the project does not have the technical knowhow to deliver that project on time.

    “Therefore, that existing contract has been terminated as of today. In due course, you will be informed of the contractor that will be handling a modern Warri Stadium that will be befitting of the ancient oil city.

    On his part, the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, said Exco also approved upward review of a number of projects due to rising cost of materials.

    He said: “In the course of today’s Exco meeting, what happened today is a clear demonstration of what Governor Oborevwori said when he assumed office that he will initiate new projects and continue with the construction of ongoing ones, with a view to ensuring we achieve completion of those projects.

    “You will also recall that, for sometime now, we have not held Exco because we needed to come to terms with certain levels of pricing of items, so that, at the end of the day, we give value- for- money to Deltans.

    “We needed to reach certain compromise with our partners in the contracting industry and that we have been able to achieve reasonably.

    “So, today, we effected the upward review of a number projects which are aimed at linking our communities as well bringing about urban renewal.

    “We have approved the upward review for the 6-lane Asaba Water Front road construction which will enable access for the expansion of the capital city.

    “It is part of Governor Oborevwori’s desire to expand the capital territory and bring about urban renewal of our capital city here in Asaba.

    “In the Sapele axis, we also believe that the city, as an ancient town, begins to have a new lease of life; so, we have approved a couple of internal roads in Sapele to help us decongest and add beauty to the city.

    “My colleague has been busy with the supervision of some other roads in the Ughelli axis, and, by the grace of God, some of them would be completed soon and ready for inauguration in our one year in office.

    “We also approved the upward review for the 4.4km Obi-Ibabu Road to enable us complete it in the next couple of weeks and get it inaugurated.

    “The Emevor-Orogun road is almost completed; it was delayed a little because of the upward review and, in the next couple of days, it will be ready for inauguration.

    “The Kwale-Beneku bridge linking Ndokwa West to Ndokwa East has also been reviewed to enable the contractor conclude work on both the approach road to the bridge and asphalt overlay on the bridge.

    “We also reviewed the Orere Bridge and acesss Road in Ughelli South and the governor is desirous to fastracking a number of these ongoing roads, in addition to completing the ones we have awarded under his watch since May, 2023”.

    He said that, in order to avoid the issue of continuous review of projects, the Governor has approved that, going forward, a number of the projects would have reasonable mobilisation so that the contractor would not need to delay.

    Aniagwu added that, once a contractor provides an Advance Payment Guarantee, APG, they would be advanced funds to enable them mobilise to site, adding that once jobs are done to specifications, such certificates would be paid immediately.

    On his part, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Johnbull Tonukari, said Exco approved the payment of N1.33bn as retirement and death benefits to 186 retirees of the state‘s premier university, Delta State University, Abraka.

    He said the welfare of workers and pensioners was very dear to Governor Oborevwori, adding that the beneficiaries would be paid after carrying out forensic audit on the affected persons.

  • Why I relocated my office to MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja – Enoh

    Why I relocated my office to MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja – Enoh

    The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, on Thursday explained why he relocated his office to the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

    He said he wanted to personally supervise what was going on in the sports centre and ensure that things were put in the right place.

    “I did a tour of MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, and I insisted that instead of having my office at the Secretariat, my office as Sports Development minister has to be at the stadium.

    “I have taken that decision already, I have an assignment to make the ministry work and we have to make it work. MKO Abiola Stadium is where we have 90 per cent of the departments of sports.

    “The stadium is where we have all the federations’ secretariats, athletes and footballers. For the purpose of coordination and to keep a watchful eye, it is imperative that my office is at the stadium.

    “I don’t mind the challenges; what matters to me is the gain in the sports sector. I have also issued a memo to the permanent secretary that the remaining sports departments should be at the stadium,” he said.

    Enoh restated that his main focus would be development of sports and how sports could be used for the development of the country.

    “The focus as a sports minister is going to be in two folds; one is the development of sports, the grassroots development, infrastructure and amenities at the grassroots level where the real talents are domiciled.

    “I want to see those talents from Ajegunle developed into elite sportsmen. We want to go to those places where there are fewer opportunities, or may not get the opportunity to express themselves.

    “I want to provide, like a basketball court for those in the hinterland and others. A lot of times, the great boxers are not produced in the high brow areas but in the local environments.

    “I want to provide these things and not just saying it, and at the end of my tenure, we want to count tangible things that have given us social inclusion which will translate to sports development,” he said.

    According to reports, as part of his ongoing efforts to assess the state of major sports facilities in the country, Enoh inspected the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Thursday.

    He started his inspection from the stadium complex, where he visited the National Institute of Sports, the boxing complex, mainbowl of the stadium, sports medical centre, indoor sports hall and other facilities.

    He also inspected the Games Village hostels, Legacy Pitch, Power House, as well as the courts for different sports.

  • [Video] Ex-footballer Samuel Eto’o attacks man in Qatar stadium

    [Video] Ex-footballer Samuel Eto’o attacks man in Qatar stadium

    Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon FA president and former footballer, was captured attacking a man outside a stadium at the World Cup in Qatar.

    Cameroon FA president and ex-footballer, Samuel Eto’o has been captured in a shocking video attacking a man outside a stadium at the World Cup in Qatar.

    In the video, Eto’o leaving Stadium 974 in Doha, after watching Brazil’s 4-1 victory against South Korea in their round-of-16 match on Monday night, December.

    At first, Eto’o was seen posing for photos with fans as he made his way out of the venue before a man with a video camera approaches him and they began to exchange words.

    Before the video cuts to a few seconds later, Eto’o was seen returning to the scene to confront the man. At this point, onlookers rushed in to calm the situation, but Eto’o refused to be held back as he continues to try and confront him.

    While four men were holding Eto’o back, he gave his phone to a man, before breaking out to knee the man in the face, knocking him to the ground.

    It is unclear what the man said to him which led to the wild confrontation.

    See Video below:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Media/News Company (@thenewsgurung)

  • AFCON: Stadium named after Sadio Mane in Senegal

    AFCON: Stadium named after Sadio Mane in Senegal

    Liverpool forward, Sadio Mane’s success with Senegal at the 2021 African Cup of Nations has seen a stadium named after him.

    Mane netted the decisive penalty for the Teranga Lions in a thrilling shoot-out win over Egypt in the final.

    The 29-year-old finished the tournament with three goals and two assists.

    Abdoulaye Diop, the mayor of Sedhiou, Mane’s hometown, has confirmed that a new area in the city will be dedicated to the player.

    “Sadio Mane has honoured all of Senegal, the Sedhiou region and the whole Casamance area..

    “I’ve decided to name the Sedhiou Stadium after him.

    “With this I wish to convey to him the gratitude of all the sons and daughters of the region.

    “He has made all mankind aware of Bambali and Sedhiou, the region’s main city,” Diop said.

  • Sixth of 8 FIFA World Cup stadiums opened in Qatar

    Sixth of 8 FIFA World Cup stadiums opened in Qatar

    The sixth of eight stadiums for next year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar has been opened, the emirate’s government wrote on Twitter on Friday.

    The Al-Thumama Stadium can accommodate more than 40,000 spectators.

    The arena will host six group matches, a round of 16 match and a quarter-final.

    In its first match, Qatari teams Al-Sadd and Al-Rajjan met in the final of the Emir Cup.

    The arena is located 12 kilometres south of the capital Doha and has the shape of a traditional woven Qatari cap.

    After the World Cup, the capacity of the stadium is to be reduced by half.

    The 2022 World Cup will be held for the first time in November and December.

    The groups are to be drawn in Doha on April 1, the day after the FIFA Congress.

    Qatar has repeatedly come under international criticism for alleged human rights violations with regards to migrant workers building the stadiums.

    Qatar rejects the accusations and points to a series of reform measures.

  • Football manager killed in stadium lightning strike

    Football manager killed in stadium lightning strike

    A coach at a Bulgarian football stadium was fatally struck by lightning during a friendly match, private broadcaster bTV reported on Monday.

    Ivan Ranchev, the coach of the Bulgarian football club Hebar Pazardzhik, died on the spot at the stadium in the southern Bulgarian village of Lesichovo, bTV reported.

    He had taken part in the match between two local teams as a player.

    Three players were also slightly injured in the lightning strike.

    The stadium’s lightning protection system is now to be inspected.

  • PSG want to expand stadium after capturing Messi

    PSG want to expand stadium after capturing Messi

    Paris Saint-Germain have indicated the desire to expand their historic Parc des Princes stadium following the capture of Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi.

    “You have to expand this stadium, I love the Parc des Princes but it is important to expand this stadium for our fans and the future of our club,” PSG president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, told broadcaster Europe1 on Thursday.

    The city of Paris is backing the plans for the stadium which was last renovated in 1972.

    “Due to the attractiveness of fame of PSG, the fans deserve more places in an inviting stadium,” said Paris deputy mayor Emmanuel Gregroire on the programme.

    An expansion from 48,500 to between 55,000 and 60,000 is expected with more not possible due to the stadium’s construction.

    However, the Stade de France in Saint-Denis by Paris can hold 81,000.

    The arrival of Messi in Paris, on a free transfer from Barcelona, has further increased the global reach of the club with Gregoire calling it “amazing news, not only for Paris and French football but also sport in general.”

  • Portuguese team walk back from stadium after Cup defeat

    Portuguese team walk back from stadium after Cup defeat

    Third tier team Lusitania Lourosa left the stadium on foot following a Portuguese Cup defeat, after club officials allegedly sent the team bus away.

    The incident was described by the footballers’ union on Monday as “lamentable.”

    Lourosa lost their first round tie 1-0 to local rivals Sao Joao de Ver on Sunday.

    Videos on Twitter later showed the squad walking back to their training ground, around five kilometres away.

    Club president Hugo Mendes said the team took the decision as a form of self-criticism.

    “There was no punishment,” he said.

    However, the Portuguese players’ union (SAFP) said the club had ordered the team bus to leave.

    “The union expects nothing less from the president of Lourosa than an immediate apology to the squad for this lamentable episode which does nothing to dignify Portuguese football,” it said in a statement.

    The Portuguese Cup features 165 teams from the top four tiers of the league system, with the top flight sides entering in the third round.

  • Kwara Govt. to name stadium after Rashidi Yekini

    Kwara Govt. to name stadium after Rashidi Yekini

    Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has pledged to immortalise late Super Eagles legend, Rashidi Yekini, by naming the Kwara State Sports Stadium in Ilorin after him.

    The governor disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, in his office.

    He said the process was underway to rename the stadium after the former Super Eagles gangling striker, an indigene of the state.

    “We will send a bill to the State House of Assembly to immortalise Rashidi Yekini with the name of the stadium changing after the approval,” AbdulRazaq said.

    Earlier, Dare said the ministry had written series of letters to the Kwara Government on the need to immortalise the football icon.

    Dare urged the governor to sustain his support for sports development as it was a veritable tool for engaging the youth and reducing social vices in the country.

    “I want to thank his excellency for hosting our biggest youth games in Ilorin, let me inform you that we are coming to Ilorin again because of the facilities at University of Ilorin, soonest we will be around for the youth games.

    “I love the fact that the governor also loves sport, I want to encourage your excellency to invest more on sports,” he added.

    The minister also discussed several ways of developing youth and sports with the governor in line with international best practices.

    Rashidi Yekini who hails from Kwara, died on May 4, 2012 in Ibadan at the age of 48.

    He began his professional career at UNTL Kaduna in 1981, then played on the continent before moving to Europe, where he enjoyed a successful four-year spell at Vitoria Setubal in Portugal where he was the Primeira Liga’s top scorer in the 1993-94 season.

    Yekini scored 37 goals as a Nigerian international, and represented the nation in five major tournaments, including two World Cups where he scored the country’s first-ever goal in the competition.

    He was also named the African Footballer of the Year in 1993.

  • Delta turns stadium to COVID-19 isolation centre

    Delta turns stadium to COVID-19 isolation centre

    The Delta State Government said it has established a 70-bed isolation centre at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, its capital.

    It said the Isolation centre was established through the collaboration between Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Agip and other partners.

    The Secretary to the Delta State Government, (SSG) Mr Chiedu Ebie, expressed optimism that the state was adequately prepared to contain an upsurge in COVID-19 cases.

    Mr Ebie said the state government was preparing isolation centres across the State to ensure quick response to save the lives of Deltans.

    He said, “Our resolve is to provide isolation facilities across the state and this project was started about four weeks ago and will be put into use any moment from now as almost all the equipment needed are in place.

    “With the manner with which the virus is spreading, government cannot handle it alone and corporate organisations and well meaning individuals have come to render assistance, NNPC/Agip came together and galvanised other oil companies to provide these facilities.

    “Deltans can be safer if they obey established health protocols because, it is our prayers not to have more patients in the State and for those in the isolation centres to get well and be discharged.”