BY ABEL JOHNGOLD
The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, is taking significant steps to foster sports development in the region by spearheading the construction of a mini sports stadium in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area.
This initiative was confirmed during an official tour of the Senator’s ongoing projects in Delta North. Dr. Michael Nwoko, Chief of Staff to Senator Nwoko, led a delegation of journalists and community leaders, providing valuable insights into the scope and objectives of the project.
Dr. Nwoko highlighted that the stadium will feature a state-of-the-art football pitch, a seven-a-side pitch convertible for multiple sports, pavilions on both sides, and fully equipped dressing rooms. The design of the facility adheres to global sports infrastructure standards and underscores Senator Nwoko’s unwavering commitment to sports development in Nigeria.
“Senator Nwoko has always been passionate about grassroots sports development,” said Dr. Nwoko. He pointed to the establishment of Nigeria’s first Sports University, located in Idumuje-Ugboko, the Senator’s hometown. The university, now in its second academic session, aims to nurture young athletes by providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education while excelling in sports.
Dr. Nwoko further explained, “The Senator believes in the ‘catch-them-young’ model. He is committed to developing young athletes from an early stage, rather than waiting until the last moment before international competitions.”
The vision extends beyond nurturing young athletes. The Sports University also provides opportunities for established athletes without formal education to earn academic qualifications while advancing in their sports careers.
The new sports stadium is being developed on the site of a defunct local government stadium, which had been abandoned for years after being conceived in the early 2000s. The revitalization of the facility is expected to inject new life into the area.
“The goal is to transform this facility into a Games Village that will benefit not only the local community but also the wider region,” Dr. Nwoko explained.
Originally, the stadium was planned for construction within the Local Government Secretariat in Issele-Uku. However, this plan encountered a setback. Thanks to the intervention of Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, the Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, a new site was secured with the approval of the Delta State Government and the Delta State Sports Commission.
Dr. Nwoko assured that the construction is progressing swiftly, with engineers working under strict directives to ensure that the stadium, along with other ongoing projects, is completed within a record time.
“The distinguished Senator has issued a marching order to ensure all projects in this phase, including road constructions, are ready for commissioning in the coming weeks,” he affirmed.
Once completed, the sports stadium is expected to become a hub for sports development, talent discovery, and economic growth in Delta North, further solidifying Senator Ned Nwoko’s dedication to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development.
