Enugu State government has earmarked the sum of #10 billion for the refurbishing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Speaking during the first management meeting of Ministry of Youth and Sports, in 2025, today, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, noted with excitement the commitment of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah”s, administration towards the development of sports in the State. “”Enugu State government has earmarked the sum of #10 billion for the refurbishing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, 3 billion for Awgu Games Village, #200 million for the upgrade of Sports Council facilities, at Nkpokiti Road, Independence Layout, Enugu as vwel 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”. “” 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. Commissioner Lloyd Ekweremadu, appraised the performance of the Ministry in 2024, expressed happiness that his Ministry achieved a lot last year. He said,”” His 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”. “”The Ministry surpassed it’s 2023 revenue in 2024 by 300 percent and generated #20 million revenue, #4 millon less than its 2024 target of #24 million”, he stated. He commended the staff for their commitment, dedication to duty, he enjoined them to work harder this year to enable the Ministry achieve it’s set goals. Dan Onwuegbuna. Director Information
