Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday flagged off constructing a world-class Multi-Event Sports Centre at Kafe District, Life Camp, Abuja, emphasising the role of sports in youth empowerment and national revenue generation.
The project, awarded to Tegwa Nigeria Limited, is part of the federal government’s commitment to providing modern sporting facilities to develop talents and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
In his address, Wike explained the importance of investing in sports infrastructure, drawing parallels with countries like Brazil that have built robust economies through sports.
“Today, sports are one thing that keeps many countries going. Brazil exports so many players to the world, and they make a lot of money from it. And you cannot do that if you have no facilities that will encourage and bring out the talents of our youth,” Wike said.
He expressed surprise at the absence of such facilities in the FCT, noting that the project aligns with the president’s eight-point agenda, particularly youth empowerment and employment generation.
“One of the president’s eight-point agendas is to empower the youth, to ensure they are active, generate employment, and generate revenue for themselves.
“If you look at the concept, it’s very holistic. That’s why we call it multi-sports events. He said it has everything you can discuss: basketball, volleyball, football, tennis, squash, and table tennis,” he said.
The minister also announced that the facility would be managed through a public-private partnership to ensure sustainability and avoid the pitfalls of government-run projects.
“Government will not run it. We will go into partnership with private individuals to see how we can run and maintain it because you know, the moment it goes into the hands of the government, obviously, give it two weeks, you will see that it will be getting to another thing, and we don’t want that,” he said.
Wike charged the contractor, Engr Peter Otegwa of Tegwa Nigeria Limited, with delivering the project by June 2026, the third anniversary of the present administration.
“If you agree with us, you can deliver this by the first or second week of June next year, so that Mr. President can use this as part of the third anniversary. If you don’t do it well, that’s the end of your contract in FCT. I don’t joke with it,” he said.
He further warned against diverting funds, urging the contractor to prioritise the project.
“Let me also say that the money we are paying you is not for you to go and marry another wife. Do the job first, I beg you, and a quality job. We will not play with it,” he said.
In his response, the contractor, Otegwa, praised the minister’s leadership and commitment to transforming the FCT.
“This project is not just another infrastructure. It is a symbol of growth, unity, and progress. Driven by the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, CON, the best minister FCT has ever had,” he said.
He assured the company would deliver a state-of-the-art facility meeting international standards.
“We are committed to delivering a state-of-the-art sports facility that meets international standards. We have assembled the best professionals, sourced the highest quality materials, and adopted cutting-edge construction techniques to ensure that this facility stands the test of time,” he said.
Otegwa also promised that the project would benefit the local community through employment and skill transfer.
The multi-sport centre is expected to include basketball, volleyball, football, tennis, squash, table tennis, and other sports facilities. It will serve as a hub for talent development, national and international competitions, and community engagement.
The FCT Administration also plans to extend similar projects to other area councils in the territory next year.
