Begins Site Clearing for Construction of 25,000-Capacity Stadium in Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has announced plans to bid for the hosting of the National Sports Festival in 2028, contingent upon the completion of a new stadium in Igbogene, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
During a visit to the site to assess the progress, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, expressed satisfaction with the work done by the contractor responsible for clearing the site.
Dr. Igali noted that the new stadium would span approximately forty hectares of land and boast a seating capacity of 25,000. He expressed pleasure with the swift progress made within a short period.
The construction of the stadium is expected to be completed within 24 months. Dr. Igali revealed that the contractor for the project would be announced next week, following a bidding process involving five interested companies.
The commissioner indicated that the government is reviewing the bidding documents before awarding the contract and making the details public.
Dr. Igali outlined that the multi-purpose stadium would feature two training pitches, a swimming pool, a diving pool, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, a table tennis hall, and approximately eight different halls for various sports.
The Olympian emphasized that constructing this world-class stadium is essential for Bayelsa to host the 2028 National Sports Festival successfully. He highlighted that the stadium would be the most modern in the country, equipped with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) facilities.
Explaining the choice of Igbogene, Dr. Igali noted that the previously earmarked site had only eighteen hectares of land, while Igbogene offers double that space, accommodating all necessary facilities for a modern stadium.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs. Grace Alagoa, praised Governor Senator Douye Diri for ensuring that youths can earn a living through sports.
Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi, also commended the new stadium’s construction, stating that it would help athletes realize their potential and build on the achievements in the sports sector over the past five years.
The contractor overseeing the site clearance, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, CEO of Ama-ebi Consultants Ltd, reported that 60% of the 25 hectares assigned to his company had been cleared in less than eight days, with the remaining portion expected to be completed within a week.
