President Jonathan during inauguration of the new Akwa Ibom state stadium acknowledged that in spite of the country’s feat in winning laurels, Nigeria lacks sporting infrastructures, describing the stadium as a thing of pride to the nation.
Jonathan was accompanied by the President of Ghana, Dr. John Dramani Mahama; President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, Dr. Alassane Ouattara; former President of Ghana, Jerry Rawlings; members of Diplomatic Corps; and the Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman, among others.
According to the President, the inauguration was historic, as no state in the federation has hosted three heads of states at once since 1999.
“From 1999 that this present democracy started till date, there is no state that has hosted three heads of state. Today is a great history. I laid the foundation stone of this stadium and when construction was going on, I also participated in inspecting it. Today, there is more to coming here to commission this unique stadium.
“What we have seen today is a hard work of a great vision and amazing transformation,” he said.
Besides, the President said one of the reasons he made frequent visits to Akwa Ibom was because of a lot of transformation going on in the state.
Besides, the President said one of the reasons he made frequent visits to Akwa Ibom was because of a lot of transformation going on in the state.
“I have visited Akwa Ibom state severally not because it is governed by the chairman PDP Governors’ Forum. No. I have been visiting Akwa Ibom, not because it is a state in the South-South where I come from. Never. It is because there is a lot of progress going on in the state,” he said.
The state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, the President said, has shown transformational leadership, adding that for the past seven years series of transformations have taken place.
The President said the stadium is one of the signatures of the PDP government, as well as indication that the leadership of PDP is paying attention to yearnings of the people.
Having laid the foundation ceremony about two years ago, Jonathan said
he was happy to also perform the inauguration, noting that sometimes projects die after their foundation stones are laid.
The President expressed confidence that not only Akwa Ibom will use the
stadium but also the international community, and urged young ones to exploit facilities in the stadium to develop their talents.
Dr. Mahama said the Akwa Ibom International Stadium is perhaps one of the best stadiums in Africa, expressing satisfaction at what Akwa Ibom and Nigeria have achieved.
he was happy to also perform the inauguration, noting that sometimes projects die after their foundation stones are laid.
The President expressed confidence that not only Akwa Ibom will use the
stadium but also the international community, and urged young ones to exploit facilities in the stadium to develop their talents.
Dr. Mahama said the Akwa Ibom International Stadium is perhaps one of the best stadiums in Africa, expressing satisfaction at what Akwa Ibom and Nigeria have achieved.
Earlier, Akpabio said the stadium would not only remain a national pride but an international treasure.
Akpabio said he was grateful to host three presidents, specifically extolling the relationship between Ghana and the people of the state
Akpabio said he was grateful to host three presidents, specifically extolling the relationship between Ghana and the people of the state
Post a Comment