Bauchi to expand Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium to 35,000 seating capacity – Sports Commissioner Gamawa

From right: Bauchi State Commissioner of Sports, Gamawa, Head of Technical, Abdulhameed Sule Lilimaro and Head of Planing, Salisu Garba

By Usman Shehu in Asaba

Bauchi State Commissioner of Sports and Youths Development Salis Gamawa says the state government plans to expand the seating capacity of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium to 35,000 through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with foreign partners.

The Commissioner made the remarks while addressing journalists at the Media Center of Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, venue for the ongoing 8th National Youth Games.

Gamawa explained that the PPP arrangement is intended to enhance both sports and infrastructural development in the state.

The Commissioner who highlighted the government’s desire and commitment to invest so much in sports to regain the good name of Bauchi as Mecca of Sports in Nigeria, where every sports men and women would be proud to visit, said the state government has provided adequate funding to the Ministry for the state’s contingents to participate in the 8th National Youth Games which made it possible to make timely payments to motivate athletes to achieve top performances.

He said “I am proud to inform you that on my arrival in Asaba today before coming to address you, Bauchi State had 1 gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze.”

Gamawa informed that Bauchi recently held its first state sports festival in many years, that this was possible by Governor Bala Mohammed’s dedication and prompt release of funds, which served as preparation for the youth games.

Gamawa expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammed for all the support given to him to succeed and also expressed satisfaction with the organization of this year’s NYG, stating that it successfully met its goal of nurturing future athletes.