Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Complex in Abuja has turned a grazing land for herders, just as hunters have stormed there in their large number for reptiles and large-size rodents and rabbits.
Both Packages A and B have been taken over by giant grass, thus attracting herders and hunters to the stadium that gulped over $360 million dollars (N54 billion when it was constructed in 2003 for the 8th All Africa Games. The stadium, a very modern stadium then, is able to hold just over 60,000 spectators on double-tiered stands, was back then among the most expensive worldwide, earning it quite some criticism.
Owing to neglect, the facility is fast degenerating, and it has become an abode for destitudes and people of questionable characters.
Sports Minister, John Owan Enoh since assuming office, has decided to occupy a section of Package B Complex as his office. The place has been taken over reptiles, herdsmen and overgrown with weeds.
Starting from the frontage of the Minister’s office, the whole place is in a sorry sight.
A visitor to the arena during the Minister’s meeting with the Nigeria Olympic Committee NOC board lamented the state of the environment.
“lt is absurd that the Minister is operating from here. lt will not cost him anything to contract some firms who are specialized in doing this for proper maintenance,” the visitor started, and added “l can’t believe that the Minister drives in here everyday without taking note of this.”
According to the visitor, “any Corporate organizations coming to do business with the Minister will not take the.Minister and Ministry seriously.”
Apart from the total neglect of the environment, the herdsmen shepherd freely unhindered.
When our correspondent visited the Director of Facilities, Mr Abolore Alanamu, he declined comments, and directed all inquiries to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.