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Emeruwa Urges Wike to Extend Abuja’s Infrastructure Renewal to National Sports Facilities
A concerned sports professional, Dr. Christian Emeruwa, has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency Nyesom Wike, CON, to include the rehabilitation of Abuja’s major sporting facilities in the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital.
Emeruwa, who recently visited Abuja after spending several years away on international football assignments with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), commended the extensive improvements to the city’s road network and public infrastructure.
According to him, the scale of development was so remarkable that he found it difficult to recognize several parts of the city he once knew well.
“I almost lost my way, not because I was driving, but because Abuja has changed so significantly,” he said, noting that newly constructed roads, flyovers, and upgraded public spaces have greatly improved movement across the Federal Capital Territory.
However, the sports administrator expressed disappointment after visiting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, describing the facility as a stark contrast to the rapidly developing city around it.
“As I entered the stadium, it felt as though I had left the Abuja I had just been admiring. One of Nigeria’s most important sporting monuments now stands in the shadow of its glorious past,” he observed.
Emeruwa recalled Wike’s achievements in sports infrastructure during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, including the establishment of the Real Madrid Football Academy, saying those accomplishments give him confidence that the FCT Minister appreciates the value of investing in sports.
He therefore called on the Minister to extend the ongoing Abuja renewal programme to include the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and the Old Parade Ground.
“Roads and bridges connect communities, but sports connect people,” he said. “Modern sporting facilities create opportunities for young people, promote healthy living, stimulate economic activity, and strengthen national unity.”
He urged the FCT Administration to transform the National Stadium into a modern sporting complex that complements Abuja’s renewed infrastructure, while also redeveloping the Old Parade Ground into a vibrant community sports hub.
Emeruwa concluded by expressing optimism that sports infrastructure would eventually become part of the capital city’s development agenda.
“Abuja is changing. Let our sporting infrastructure change with it,” he said.
