Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner serious private investors to build the proposed Abia Stadium City in order to create a better future and boost the economy of the State.
Governor Otti who disclosed this when he received in audience, a team of development partners led by the Managing Director, Irish Development Group (IDG), Mr. Nigel Neely, who came to present a master plan of the proposed Abia Stadium City in his office, noted that his administration has been on the stadium project and is looking for those who not only have the capacity to deliver but willing to invest in Abia.
The Governor reiterated that he believes that with private sector involvement, such a gigantic project could be achieved while its sustainability would be guaranteed, even beyond his tenure in office.
“We’ve been on this stadium project, and we’ve pushed very hard because we know what we want to achieve. Listening to you, you clearly know what to do.
“So, just looking at these highlights (the presentation), I know that the devil is in the details. It looks like something that can work. We have it out already, and I’m happy you have even gone ahead to inspect the site.
The state Chief Executive who stressed that sustainability is key, disclosed that the government could have 10% or 20% maximum investment and allow the rest to be owned by private investors, adding that what is needed is for both the government and the development partner’s team to sit and work out the details of the project.
The Governor further assured that power would not be a problem for the project as his administration is concluding plans to buy the Umuahia ringed-fence of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, which would provide enough power to Umuahia and the entire Abia North zone.
Speaking while making a presentation of the master plan for the proposed Abia Stadium City, the development partner and Managing Director, Irish Development Group (IDG), Mr. Nigel Neely said that the proposed Abia Stadium City, to be located on a 96-hectare expanse of land in Umuahia, represents a bold and forward-looking initiative designed to reposition Abia State as a premier destination for sports, tourism, business, and recreation.
He said that the project is anchored on the creation of a world-class, multi – functional sports and entertainment complex that would serve the region and attract global attention.
According to him, the structure for the proposed Abia Stadium City includes, Stadium and Sports zone, Games Village and High-Performance Training Centre, Residential District (Smart Housing); Offering modern, tech-integrated living spaces for residents and visitors, Hospitality and Tourism zone with hotels, resorts among others.
The state Commissioners for Youth and Sports Development, Sir. Nwaobilor Ananaba and his Finance Counterpart, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu were among government officials at the presentation.
