Revitalize Bako Kontagora Stadium, Football Stakeholder Urges Governor Bago

 

Mallam Shuaibu Yakubu, a respected football stakeholder in Niger State, has fervently appealed to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to sustain and enhance sports facilities within the state, particularly focusing on the development of stadiums.

Yakubu, who has an extensive background in Nigerian football with experience at Bayelsa United, Elkanemi Warriors, Abia Warriors, Kano Pillars, Rivers United, and currently serves as the General Manager of Sporting Supreme Football Club of Abuja, emphasized the urgency of addressing the current infrastructural deficiencies. He stressed that many football teams in the state are grappling with significant challenges due to a lack of funding and inadequate facilities.

“Our beloved state team is struggling because they are forced to play their league games away from home. I am appealing to the government to intervene and address these issues,” Yakubu said.

He lauded Governor Bago for his positive impact on Niger State and highlighted the pride that sports stakeholders feel under his leadership. However, he urged the governor to focus on renovating the Bako Kontagora Stadium, which would have a substantial economic and social impact on the community.

“The Niger State Football Association, under the leadership of Mallam Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, has made remarkable strides in football development. His capacity-building efforts have transformed football management in the state,” Yakubu added.

Acknowledging the financial challenges facing both the state and the country, Yakubu advocated for a well-articulated plan to rejuvenate the Bako Kontagora Stadium. He pointed out that the lack of football activities at the stadium is economically detrimental to both the team and the surrounding community.

“This is a clarion call to our sports-loving governor to take the necessary actions and save our community from the inconvenience of having to travel outside the state to watch league matches,” he urged.

Yakubu also praised Engineer Ibrahim Dada, the chairman of Niger Tornadoes, for his commendable efforts in supporting the team, often using his personal resources to prevent relegation and keep the team afloat during tough times.

“Engineer Dada has done an exceptional job this season despite the challenges. He deserves our applause and support,” Yakubu said.

He encouraged other stakeholders to join the campaign for the rehabilitation of the Bako Kontagora Stadium, emphasizing that a revived stadium would bolster the state’s economy and reinvigorate local football activities.

Recalling the 2023 directive by Governor Bago to close and renovate the Bako Kontagora Stadium to meet Nigeria Football Federation specifications, Yakubu noted that progress has been slow, and more needs to be done to enable the Niger Tornadoes to play their home matches in Minna.

“For the past five years, Niger Tornadoes have been playing their matches outside the state. We want to relieve them of the stress of traveling for home games, and that’s why I’m pleading with the governor to help us restore the stadium to full functionality,” Yakubu concluded.