Federal Government Approves Construction Of Akwanga’s Mini Stadium

The Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the Honourable Silas Ali Agara, has announced that the Nigerian Federal Government has given its approval for the construction of a state-of-the-art mini stadium in Akwanga Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

Mr Agara, who served as Deputy Governor during the second term of former Nasarawa State Governor Umar Tanko Al-makura, made the revelation to journalists during the final of the 2025 Nasarawa State Governor’s Cup Football Tournament. The match, contested between Karu Local Government Area and Wamba Local Government Area, took place on Monday, 16th February 2026, at the Lafia City Stadium.

According to Mr Agara, the proposed stadium, to be located along Jos Road in Akwanga, will feature a standard football pitch with artificial turf, a 5-a-side mini-pitch, and modern indoor sports courts.

“I am delighted that the Akwanga Mini Sports Stadium project has been included in the budget of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Agara stated.

“With the support of the Executive Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area, the Honourable Safiyanu Isah Andaha, and the Paramount Ruler of the Mada nation, His Royal Highness, Samson Gamu Yare, we were able to secure the land for the project.

“Contractors for the project have been appointed through a highly competitive bidding process. All we are now awaiting is mobilisation to the site for work to commence.

“We will monitor this project closely to ensure we deliver a facility befitting the people of the Zone.

“This is a dream come true for the residents of Akwanga and the entire Nasarawa Northern Zone.

“We have always believed in the potential of our young people, and it goes without saying that this facility, once completed, will provide them with the ideal platform to showcase their sporting talents,” Agara revealed.

The NDE DG, who also chairs the Nationwide League One Board, attributed the approval to his own efforts, stating that his experience as a sports administrator and leader was instrumental in convincing the Federal Government to invest in the project.

“During the inaugural grassroots football tournament I hosted at the Central Pilot School, Akwanga, for the three Local Government Areas that comprise the Northern Zone, I pledged that subsequent editions would be played on a superior surface to allow our young athletes to display their sporting abilities.

“However, we encountered certain budgetary constraints, preventing us from getting the job off the ground immediately.

“Nevertheless, let me assure you, on good authority, that the construction of the mini stadium is expected to begin soon, as the Federal Government, through my agency, the National Directorate of Employment, has made provisions for a playing turf and a mini stadium to be situated in Akwanga. I can guarantee you that it will be a game-changer for sports development, not only in the zone but across Nasarawa State.”