The Governor of Akwa- Ibom, Chief Godswill Akpabio has disclosed the reason why his administration built the magnificient multi-million dollars 30,000 capacity stadium.
The governor said the sports industry remains the fastest growing industry in the world seven times bigger than the entertainment industry.
President Goodluck Jonathan, John Mahama of Ghana, former Ghanian President, Jerry Rowlings, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ahlaji Adamu Muazu, Confederation of Africa Football(CAF), FIFA officials are among the dignitaries that graced the commissioning of the architecture masterpiece.
The stadium which is called nest of champions is adjudged the best stadium in Africa. It is built on 33.3 hectre of land.
The governor in his opening remarks said that his performance in office since 2007 when assumed power showed that God’s will had been done in the state.
He said his administration has turned around the fortune of the state and its people adding that schools, roads, world class hospitals have been built by his administration.
Akpabio said, “this stadium has the highest standard in the world. Why will built the stadium is that sports industry remains the fastest growing industry.It is seven times bigger than the entertainment industry. Christian Ronaldo makes 80 million dollars from salaries and endorsement alone in a year.
Serena williams made 22million dollars in the last 12 months. The reason for this is that she had access to training facilities.
Most of my girls(Akwa Ibom girls) here can beat Serena Williams if provided training facilities”.
President Goodluck Jonathan flanked by president John Mahama and other dignitaries commissioned the stadium.
Jonathan said he was happy to see the stadium he laid the foundation two years back commissioned in record time. He added that the stadium would be a sports facility opens to the world and not Nigerians alone.
The president said Akwa-Ibom has set a record in Nigeria has the first state to host three Heads of State.
He added that the achievements of the government are testimonies to the people oriented government of the PDP.
“Since 1994, i have been visiting Akwa- Ibom atleast twice a year. I have never seen the kind of developments that the state is witnessing”, Jonathan said.
John Mahama while speaking congratulated Nigeria for conquering Ebola virus. “We are all impressed with what you have been able to achieve here “, the Ghanian president declared.
