From Jubal Kanayo
Minister of Youth and Sports Development Solomon Dalung has stated his pride at the work ongoing at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, commended the state government for its dedication to the work and insisted that the stadium can host a world championship.
The Minister made the remark after an inspection tour of the stadium ahead of the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships (ASACs) billed to hold from August 1 to 5, 2018 in Asaba
While speaking to journalists on Thursday, Dalung expressed delight at the pace and quality of work being done at the Stadium.
“There has been a massive advancement in works at this stadium since the last time I visited and I can confidently assert that, from what I’ve seen here, our capacity to host a World Championship is possible. This is because, apart from the infrastructure, the facilities that have been and are being installed here can serve the world.
“I must commend the government of Delta State for not only taking the responsibility to host this championship but, also, for this massive and durable legacy which the governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has invested in.”
The chairman of the tourney’s local organizing committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, who took the minister on the inspection, said that work has been going on at the stadium round the clock and assured that the stadium will be ready before the commencement of the championship.
“A grand Prix has been fixed for July 18 which will be used as a test-run of all the facilities that would be used for Asaba 2018. We want to ensure that all the equipment installed are functional during the grand prix, before the main championship,” Ogba said.
Entries from 47 countries have, so far, been received for the ASACs.
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