By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja – The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 general election, Peter Obi together with the trailblazing President of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and Nigerian-born Masai Ujiri, have toured the much-advertised Kigali Sports City in Rwanda.
Obi who took to his X account to disclose this on Saturday, declared that the tour which began with a visit to the arena, a world-class facility known for its cutting-edge design and construction, was induced by his belief that sports are a critical area for commitment and investment that can help lift millions of our youths out of poverty while contributing to the development and unity of our dear country.
Precise Post recalls that the venue was where the 2022 edition of CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) was held.
Obi further revealed that he visited the stadium, a 45,000-seater facility built and commissioned a few months ago. Adding that what truly left him in awe, was the ongoing construction of a complex comprising a hotel, a mini-game village, open areas for engagements, and a sports bar, all part of what is named “Zaria Court,” developed by Masai Ujiri.
Explaining the significance of the name, Obi revealed that Ujiri was born and raised in Zaria, Nigeria. His love for Zaria fuels his desire to see such facilities in Nigeria, particularly given the size and potential of the country.
Obi remarked that such developments should exist in most states or, at the very least, in each of the six geopolitical zones. Unfortunately, he pointed out that neither the National Stadium in Lagos nor the one in Abuja is in good condition.
The former governor of Anambra state said he couldn’t help but reflect on the power and potential of Nigerian youth in sports, entertainment, and other sectors. Facilities like these could tap into that potential and provide development opportunities, he added.
Regarding our national stadiums, especially the one in Surulere, Lagos, Masai Ujiri encouraged redevelopment and active management of the facility. With proper management, these facilities could pay for themselves, just as they are doing in Rwanda.
“While driving back to my hotel, I couldn’t help but think about how we can kickstart such projects, creating jobs, changing the narrative in sports and entertainment, and contributing to building the new Nigeria that we all know is POssible,” he said.
The statement reads in full:
Induced by my belief that sports are a critical area for commitment and investment that can help lift millions of our youths out of poverty while contributing to the development and unity of our dear country, I recently toured the much-advertised Kigali Sports City in Rwanda alongside Nigerian-born Masai Ujiri, the trailblazing President of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.
The tour began with a visit to the arena, a world-class facility known for its cutting-edge design and construction.
This venue, where the 2022 CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) was held, generates enough revenue to operate independently, without recourse to government funding.
Next, I visited the stadium, a 45,000-seater facility built and commissioned a few months ago. What truly left me in awe, however, was the ongoing construction of a complex comprising a hotel, a mini-game village, open areas for engagements, and a sports bar, all part of what is named “Zaria Court,” developed by Masai Ujiri.
He explained the significance of the name, revealing that he was born and raised in Zaria, Nigeria. His love for Zaria fuels his desire to see such facilities in Nigeria, particularly given the size and potential of the country.
He remarked that such developments should exist in most states or, at the very least, in each of the six geopolitical zones. Unfortunately, he pointed out that neither the National Stadium in Lagos nor the one in Abuja is in good condition.
I couldn’t help but reflect on the power and potential of Nigerian youth in sports, entertainment, and other sectors. Facilities like these could tap into that potential and provide development opportunities.
Regarding our national stadiums, especially the one in Surulere, Lagos, Masai Ujiri encouraged redevelopment and active management of the facility. With proper management, these facilities could pay for themselves, just as they are doing in Rwanda.
While driving back to my hotel, I couldn’t help but think about how we can kickstart such projects, creating jobs, changing the narrative in sports and entertainment, and contributing to building the new Nigeria that we all know is POssible. -PO
