Igali: Sampson Siasia Stadium Playing Turf No Longer All Comers Affair

Igali: Sampson Siasia Stadium Playing Turf No Longer All Comers Affair

By Editor

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali has met with the hierarchy of the Sports Council alongside major football stakeholders in the state with a resolve to revamp the Samson Siasia stadium to make it a self-sustaining asset.

In a resolution at an interactive session at the conference hall of the Ministry of Sports development, representatives of the various All Stars clubs, the States owned clubs and State F.A made a strong case for the stadium to be used and run professionally.

Hon. Igali pointed out that the current deteriorating condition of the pitch at the Sports Complex and other facilities was due to overuse and poor maintenance.

He stated that approximately 1 billion naira has been spent on the stadium and as such, the Miniatry regards it as one of the state's most valuable assets.

According to him, the Sports ministry will no longer allow free and excessive non essential usage of the facility.

The commissioner further said the decision of the Sports Ministry was geared towards generating funds for maintenance by charging minimal fees and limiting its usage by different groups through a stringent time schedule.

He also said a committee would be inaugurated to handle the task of maintenance, generating funds and scheduling activities in the stadium.

In separate responses, stakeholders lauded the commissioner for the initiative and assured the Commisioner that the payment of subsidized fees for use of the stadium for training purposes would ensure that the stadium is duly maintained.

The State Director of Sports, Mr. Braveman Wodi, assured that the Council would take into account suggestions of stakeholders while fixing the costs of renting the stadium.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development concluded the session by assuring stakeholders that fees will be categorized to make it affordable and flexible.