NAN-S-17
Government
By Thompson Yamput
Pankshin (Plateau), Oct. 10, 2017 (NAN) The Plateau State Government on Tuesday said it did not release the sum of N800 million for the renovation of the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos.
The state’s Sports Commissioner, Danladi Mann, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos that there was nothing like that.
He said the state government had only been making efforts to complete the construction of the Zaria Road Stadium in Jos.
“In fact, there is no element of truth in what I will describe as a rumour. All we are trying to do now as a government is to see how we can complete the New Jos Stadium, which is along Zaria road,’’ Mann said.
He however noted that this in itself should not be seen as a sign that the state government was going to abandon the Rwang Pam Stadium.
“It is just that we don’t want to divide our attention at this material time when there are no enough funds.
“We are trying to see how the government can raise money by whatever means to complete the Zaria Road stadium between now and January.
“This is for Plateau United Football Club to play its home matches in the 2017 continental club competition there,’’ the commissioner explained.
Mann disclosed that series of meetings had been held with the contractor handling the stadium construction, BBC Tropical Nigeria Limited.
“These meetings are on how to complete the stadium, even if it means in stages.
“We had very useful meetings, where we agreed on plans towards fast-tracking its completion, even if it means to do it in stages between now and January.’’
“We hope to raise over one billion Naira towards ensuring this. So, we can start probably with the State Box, the power, water and so on.
“This is just to make sure the place is good enough for Plateau United to play its continental matches there at that point in time in January,’’ the commissioner said.
He assured that Gov. Simon Lalong would not fail the citizens of Plateau, especially sports enthusiasts, as he has resolved to complete the stadium’s construction in view of its importance.
Mann said Plateau United had done the state proud by winning the 2016/2017 NPFL and the government would ensure it also assisted them in their 2018 CAF Champions League campaign.(NAN)
TYC/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)