Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has announced a September reopening date for the renovated Kaduna Township Stadium, following an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation works at the historic facility.
The stadium, now renamed Uba Sani Township Stadium, is undergoing extensive upgrades to restore its facilities and meet professional football standards capable of hosting major sporting events.
The inspection forms part of the administration’s broader strategy to revive sporting infrastructure across the state and expand opportunities for youth participation in athletics.
Originally built before August 1964 as Ranchers Bees Stadium and later known as Kaduna Township Stadium, the facility ranks among the oldest sporting venues in the state. It was handed over to the Kaduna State Government by the Federal Government.
Decades of neglect reversed
Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Local Government revealed that Governor Sani had personally directed him to assume control of the facility and oversee its rehabilitation after years of abandonment.
“The stadium was in a terrible state when we took over. People were cultivating wheat here, using drugs and engaging in other illicit activities. All the facilities had been stolen,” he said.
“We had to bring in security agencies to reclaim the premises before we could commence rehabilitation.”
The commissioner confirmed that the renovated stadium would accommodate approximately 15,000 spectators through a combination of seating and standing areas.
Phased rehabilitation nearing completion
The upgrade, being executed in phases, includes restoration of spectator stands, installation of a new scoreboard, public address system, LED display and floodlighting. A 350KVA generator, previously vandalised, has also been repaired.
“The improvement is not yet finished. Trucks are still arriving. We have to complete the popular side,” the commissioner explained.
“The lighting system had been stolen entirely, but now you can see floodlights everywhere—significant progress has been made.”
Investment in youth, crime reduction
The commissioner linked the administration’s investment in the stadium to broader security objectives, arguing that sports development directly contributes to crime reduction.
“A lot of governments make the mistake of not investing in sports. When you put money into sports, the crime rate will reduce,” he stated.
“The governor is ready to invest in sports to reduce the crime rate. This should not be viewed merely as recreational expenditure but as investment in youth development and security.”
He described Governor Sani as a football enthusiast and avid Liverpool FC supporter, noting lightheartedly that government officials know better than to approach him with files when Liverpool are playing.
Cost yet to be determined
The commissioner indicated that the total rehabilitation cost remains unknown as work continues, with the government still compiling expenditure figures.
“We are still compiling the figures. After completion, we will notify the public of the total amount spent. But what you are seeing is the quality of the work,” he said.
The September reopening is expected to restore one of Kaduna’s most historic sporting venues to active use, providing a modern home ground for professional football clubs and a catalyst for the state’s sporting revival.