Leadership (Abuja)
Chuwang Dungs
12 October 2009
Jalingo — The contracting firm that handled the design and construction of the multi-million naira Jolly Nyame stadium complex located in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital, Shelter Development Limited (SDL), over the weekend handed over the completed structure to its clients, the Taraba state government. But this was done amidst controversies as both the construction company and the state government refused to disclose to the public the total amount spent in executing the project.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony which took place at the stadium premises, the representative of SDL, Engr. Mohammed Tahir said the contract was awarded to them in 1992 and since then they have been committed to the project despite the setbacks occasioned by change of leadership or lack of funds.
He explained that the stadium has all the required facilities to host international tournaments or events and that it is one of the best in the country in terms of standard and athletic facilities.
On the facilities on ground, Engr. Tahir said apart from the soccer main bowl that can accommodate 16,000 fans, there are other standard structures like the lawn tennis court with 120 seats for fans, other courts with similar capacity are the handball, basketball, volleyball and badminton courts and also the swimming pool site.
He said apart from the main tournament structures there are also open courts designed and constructed for training sessions and a golf course. Other facilities at the complex are 2 multi- purpose halls, a conference room, offices and a game village with 48 chalets.
Other moveable items also handed over by SDL are 2 ambulances, 1 outside broadcasting van, a refuse truck, 2 fire fighting trucks, 2 water trucks, a fuel truck, 45 seater bus, 3 hilux pickup and a maintenance crane.
Tahir declined to reveal the total amount spent in executing the edifice and purchase of the moveable equipments despite pressure from journalists, he maintained that the structures were designed and constructed in line with IAAF regulation which according to him will put the state in the map of sporting cities in the world. He then enjoined the state government to utilize the services of the facilities to yield revenue for the state.
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