The Edo Government on Tuesday said that construction work on the 20 mini stadiums it awarded would be completed by the middle of 2019.
The State Commissioner for Youth and Special Duties, Mr Mika Amanohka, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin.
He said that the projects were sited in 18 local government areas of the state to uncover local sporting talents that abound at the grassroots.
“I can confirm to you that contract for the construction of the 20 mini stadiums have been awarded and it is the same contractor that will be handling the entire project to ensure uniformity.
“The government wants the entire mini stadiums to be the same; the one constructed at Oredo council should be the same as that in Owan West Local Government Council.
“Because of the importance attached to meeting the completion schedule, the contractor who has eight months to deliver the job, has already commenced fabrication of the steel to be used’’, he said.
Amanokha stressed that the completion of the 20 mini stadiums and the on-going reconstruction of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin would transform sports development in the state.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the reconstruction of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium would be completed by January 2019.
“It is a holistic work that is being carried out there. All the facilities at the stadium are being upgraded to international standard.
“From the all Covered Stand, Modern Seats, Press Gallery, Lawn Tennis Court, Olympic Size Swimming Pool and Indoor Sports hall, are all meant to reposition sports in the state’’.
He disclosed that the state government had presented a bill to the State House of Assembly to pass the bill for the setting up of Edo State Sports Commission.