The President of Dangote Group of Companies, Aliko Dangote has committed the sum of $1million towards the rehabilitation of the M.K.O Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, made the disclosure on Wednesday during the official kick-off of the rehabilitation project which is billed for completion in 24 weeks’ time.
According to the minister, Dangote’s commitment is in line with the fulfillment of the promise made a year ago for the revival of the nation’s sporting facilities.
Mr. Dare, therefore, thanked Mr. Dangote for responding to the call to restore the edifice.
He said: “After months of discussions, planning, and processing, that promise has come to fulfillment in today (Wednesday) with the kick-off of the project… the football pitch will be getting the long-overdue facelift it deserves.’’
“This landmark event reinforces my faith in the public-private sector partnership in line with the Government’s efforts at delivering on our mandate.
“Government alone cannot fund sports and maintain facilities; we need more private corporations to take a cue from what Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chief Adebutu Kessington have done in supporting our drive to renovate and maintain our facilities.”
Reacting, the representative of Dangote Group, Engr. Ahmed Mansur stated the company’s commitment towards ensuring that the main bowl pitch of the stadium is restored to a world-class standard.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Obinna Ogba; President of the Nigeria Olympics Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel, Alhassan Yakmut as well as other Nigerian internationals, including Daniel Amokachi; Nwankwo Kanu, Garba Lawal, Tijani Babangida, Chika Chukwumerije and Gabriel Okon.
