BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
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Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu has said that the state government earmarked the sum of N10 billion for the refurbishing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
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Speaking during the first management meeting of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, this year, the Commissioner noted with excitement the commitment of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah”s, administration towards the development of sports in the State.
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“Enugu State government has earmarked the sum of N10 billion for the refurbishing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, 3 billion for Awgu Games Village, N200 million for the upgrade of Sports Council facilities, at Nkpokiti Road, Independence Layout, Enugu as well as, build an Olympic size Swimming Pool, at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and rehabilitate Indoor Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, to enhance the capacity of the State to host the 26th edition of National Sports Festival in 2026”.
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“The Ministry will dedicate this year towards preparing the hosting of 2025 Coal- City International Marathon . We are already discussing with a reputable Consultant who will partner the State to organise the Marathon .We are expecting that international athletes from all over the world will participate in the Marathon”, he said.
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Ekweremadu appraised the performance of the Ministry in 2024, expressed happiness that his Ministry achieved a lot last year.
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“The Ministry achieved a lot in 2024, as it hosted several sporting events, such as the 1st National Council On Sports Summit, while Rangers International Football Club, won the 2023/ 2024 NPFL trophy, and also,held the first Mixed Martial Arts Caged fight, where international fighters from Cameroun, Senegal, Kenya and Congo, along with Nigerian fighters, fought for honours, the State also hosted South- East boxing championship Enugu State also hosted National under 15 NPFL youth football Competition ,Coal -City Half Marathon, among other achievements of the Ministry.
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“The Ministry surpassed it’s 2023 revenue in 2024 by 300 percent and generated #20 million revenue, N4 millon less than its 2024 target of N24 million”, he stated.
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He commended the staff for their commitment, dedication to duty, enjoining them to work harder this year to enable the Ministry achieve its set goals.
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