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Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by realjoker(m): 12:23am On Apr 20, 2015 |
by Felix Oti As my people are quick to say, what is good is good. Yes, I do agree; and might add that what is worth doing is worth doing well. So it was that Ibomites – as the people of Akwa Ibom call themselves – and Nigerians marveled at the state-of the-art stadium unveiled recently by the government of Akwa Ibom state. The presence of the current Ghanaian and Ivorian presidents, along with the ever-loved Jerry Rawlings, former Ghanaian president, in the company of President Goodluck Jonathan, added pump to the ceremony. Indeed, it was a stadium befitting of a state which has blazed the trail in development in modern Nigerian governance. Akwa Ibom state boasts a population of about 4 million people scattered over 31 local governments, with an estimated 1.5m people within the 14-59 labor force age bracket. It is an agrarian state, with few solid minerals but plenty of the Black Gold off-shore; therefore, its federal allocation – NGN260b in 2013, an average of NGN21.6b monthly (plus NGN1.13b IGR -2012) – topping the list of the 36 states and the FCT. So, the state has enough money to throw around. The state’s GDP is estimated at $13.7b (2013), with a per capita income of $2,779 (2012); compared to Nigeria’s GDP of $522b and per capita of $ 2,800 (2012), Akwa Ibom is a state from which much is expected. It is heartening to say that the governments have not entirely disappointed. Having said that, Akwa Ibom is also a state infected with the same national plague that bedevils the Nigerian nation; misplacement of priorities, high unemployment, and lack of rural roads, electricity, and adequate rural health clinics are still problems in the state. Granted, the government has made noticeable strides in some of these areas; however, for a state that’s internally-generated revenue (IGR) depends on food crops, or agriculture, high priority should be place on not only modernization of agriculture but, also, provision of access for movement of the produce. While the flash and dash of the state is mostly evidence in the major cities of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, etc. places like Nkana, Obotme and the rest of the rural communities seem to have been forgotten. The roads are hardly passable, the lights are more of a twinkle, primary education facilities are far and few between communities and the residents in these communities are at a loss where they belong, Abia or Akwa Ibom. So, having all these priority needs, was spending $ 96m on a stadium a wise decision? My guess is that it depends on what the state government considers important. The sum of $96m is equivalent to about NGN16.3b, which is a lot of money to spend on a stadium with very little benefit to the majority of the state’s population. With this amount, the state can provide any of the following: 4 23-km roads which will greatly benefit rural farmers and dwellers; 31 rural clinics to provide easy access to primary healthcare where it is needed most; 20 primary schools (by Nigerian standard) to decongest existing schools; 2 four-year universities, or 4 two-year polytechnics to increase admission space for intending students; one fully-operation hospital in each of the three senatorial zones for secondary and tertiary healthcare services; 16 vocational training centers for training of tomorrow’s engineers in various fields; 31 rural recreational facilities to provide unemployed and unemployable youths an outlet to relax and let off frustration; or 6 strategically located food processing plants (2 in each senatorial zone) to harvest and process the state’s agricultural resources for both consumption and export as a revenue earner and source of employment. There are many more uses for NGN16.3b; however, since it chose, instead, to build a 30,070-seat stadium, any of the above-listed is considered an opportunity cost of building the stadium. Now, what does Ibomites stand to benefit from this 30,000-seat stadium? Of course, as with everything Nigerian, the stadium is cited at Uyo, the state capital, meaning that residents outside the state capital wanting to participate in any function going on in the stadium will have to fund their way to the place. Since it is not the official home of Akwa United FC, the Nigerian premier soccer team based in Akwa Ibom, the prospects of a steady stream of revenue to the state, during Premier League season, is very dim. Expectedly, the team will on occasions, play important matches in the stadium; thereby, attracting paying fans. Unfortunately, since Nigerians prefer to patronize European soccer teams – for reasons yet to be discerned – the stadium will never be of full capacity for any of the Akwa United FC games. Now, when one factor’s in the cost of admission to these marches, say NGN1000-1500, affordability becomes an issue; thereby reducing access to only those who could afford to easily spend such amount. It is estimated that on any given Akwa United FC match, the stadium will be a half capacity – 15,000. For matches involving the Super Eagles, Falcons and/or any of the junior national teams, ticket prices will likely double that of the local team, further restricting access for many soccer fans and reducing government projected revenue from these matches. Another use for the stadium are likely to be concerts by popular national and international artists whose tickets run into the north side of NGN5, 000 per show – affordable only to the very rich; athletic events like track and field which holds twice or three times in a school year and attract very little in terms of revenue; and Holy Ghost nights, and sundry weekend activities, by evangelical churches who attract huge crowd to these events and are able to rent the stadium. Unfortunately, with these kinds of clientele, the stadium will experience exponential deterioration due to overuse of its facilities. Businesses are less likely to avail themselves of the stadium for their conferences and AGMs, because the state already has a conference center and a 3- star hotel, and these business events do not attract huge crowds. Of course, state-sponsored events are free at the stadium, and do not generate revenue. Basically, the recovery period for the expended NGN16.3b would take up to 30 years – well beyond the contractual maintenance period entered into with Julius Berger. If one should go by experience, especially in Nigeria, the stadium would be in the same state as the Abuja stadium today in the next 10 to 15 years. National stadium Like I said at the start of this write-up; what is good is good, and worth doing well. Nigerians do appreciate beautiful things, and will like to be associated with such beauties. Unfortunately, such appreciation is very flighty and short-lived. We have had such breathe-takers as the National Theater, Iganmu, the National stadium, Surulere and, in recent times, Tinapa, the Abuja stadium, Nnamdi Azikiwe airport, and many other magnificent national and state landmarks, only to watch them deteriorate with such speed, and within such a short period of time, that one wonders if Nigeria is some deserted island in the middle of nowhere. This stadium, as beautiful as it may look today, as admired as it may be by not just the Ibomites, but the nation as a wh***, and as jealous as other states may be of Akwa Ibom today, this is not a gift that keeps on giving to the people of the state. A progressive government does not invest NGN16.3 on one structure – not infrastructure – when citizens of employable age and education are jobless, and the rural famers cannot bring their harvest to the market. It will not spend that amount of money on a stadium when infant and adult mortality rate remains high, and access to primary education and healthcare for the poor is still a problem. A progressive government would have invested that amount in job-creating ventures, which will generate more tax revenues that would be used, in due course, to build such a stadium. For now, the state has made its choice and the people are happy. For now….. |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by realjoker(m): 12:24am On Apr 20, 2015 |
http://community.vanguardngr.com/m/blogpost?id=4565467%3ABlogPost%3A830472 |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by egift(m): 12:30am On Apr 20, 2015 |
I see nothing wrong in building landmarks and facilities, but our Leaders MUST learn to start with and the important things. They must tackle the immediate needs of the people. 2 Likes |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by crownprince102: 12:32am On Apr 20, 2015 |
Their is actually nothing wrong the Akwa Ibom state constructing the stadium. It's first of it kind in any state in Nigeria. Akpabio did a good job in Akwa Ibom, he stands out among PDP governors and he is one of the best governors this republic produced. My only concern was the transparency and credibility of the project. Some part of the press such as wikipedia, tribune, vanguard, etc states the project cost $96m (N16b) while others such as supersport, Ventures-africa, etc claims $200m (N35b). Whether $96m or $200m, the stadium doesn't worth either of the two sum. We are talking about a 30,000 capacity stadium here. It doesn't worth that much. It cost should be a maximum of $60m to $70m and since it's even a goverment project, it shouldn't cost of to that, it should be lower. But Akpabio must take credit for his giant strides. |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by Nobody: 12:43am On Apr 20, 2015 |
Akwa ibom ayaya(Akwa Ibom is beautiful) |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by oduastates: 1:04am On Apr 20, 2015 |
Include all the rubbish airports terminals with less than the daily traffic of 20 molues been built around the country. While the constitution says security/general welfare is the first job of the government, in actual fact, the first job is to raise revenues. Without the revenue, the government cannot do Nada. The main question is, what are the priorities? Are those priorities things like building Abuja city tower or those priorities or an efficient rail service with regular frequency. Are those priorities improving education or building hospitals? Beyond education and health , I think the task at hand for buhari and the governors is to invest time and money in increasing revenues. Also, I will simply complete the viable ongoing projects, simply patch up existing roads, and deploy all available fund in solving the electricity problem once and for all. Electricity is Nigeria's core economic problem. |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by IsraeliAIRFORCE: 1:07am On Apr 20, 2015 |
Another alternative is to Share the windfall to 25,000,000 unemployed and poor APC supporters as social security. Sai Baba |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by jazzydee: 2:47am On Apr 20, 2015 |
@OP your user name does not belie your ignorance? Show me any state in Nigeria that has built 1,900km of roads and 38 bridges and 5flyover in 8yrs, Show me any nigerian state that has built/renovated 6000 class room blocks in 8yrs Show me any Nigerian State that has executed over 6000 rural projects in 8yrs Show me any Nigerian state that has built 5 new general hospitals renovated/equip all the General hospitals in all its LGA and will commision a 389 bed quaternary hospital the first of its kind in nigeria. Show me any state that has empowered it 4000 rural female farmers with N250,000 soft Agric loans and 5000 young graduate farmers with 500,000 agric loans? Show me any State government that has built a brand new bi-campus state university? Show me any state Govt. that has built manage an operated its own State owned intl Airport all within the short span of 8yrs? Show me a state government that has built over 10,000 housing units for civil servants and low income people? Akpabio did all the Above and more too numerous to mention in 8yrs a feat no other governor in Nigeria has accomplished within the same time frame! When you show me any state in Nigeria that has surpassed the Achievement of the Akwa ibom state government in all indices of human development in the past 8yrs then we can begin to criticize the stadium which is just one of the few developmental projects that litter the state and delivered within the last 8 yrs. Am sure the governor of your state has stolen more than the $96million that Akpabio used in building the stadium in Uyo with your state having nothing to show for, I would rather my governor spend $96million one great project that my grand kids will come to see and enjoy than steal the money as is being done in your state as i write this. People like you probably don't even know where Akwa ibom state is an what has been done in the state but just interested in running your mouth. |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by jazzydee: 2:52am On Apr 20, 2015 |
oduastates:Face you odua states they are the only ones that build unviable airports, Ibadan, Akure and illorin airports are all unviable airports as all of them are performing below par.I dont blame them i blame the FG funds that were wasted in constructing those useless airfields. Akwa Ibom State airport is one of the busiest airports in Nigeria with Arik,Dana,Aero,Discovery airlines conducting daily flights to and from Abuja and lagos on a daily bases while Akure, ibadan and ilorin airports rarely see on flight a week. 1 Like |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by padeolu: 4:43am On Apr 20, 2015 |
jazzydee:It amuse me how some people Deliberately feign ignorance about issues. Flyovers, bridges, stadium are those priorities to you? At what expense are those things done? Do you even know how much allocation akwa ibom receives as compared to other states? Tell me the unemployment rate in akwa ibom and I will give you a list of 5 states that receives less than 1/3 of what akwa ibom receives and yet has a much lower unemployment rate. 7 Likes |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by seankafor(m): 5:29am On Apr 20, 2015 |
hypocritics.. But if u see these things in another country u will wish it is in ur country. Now that it is , u re now criticizing..bunch of maggots.... I read from this article that the abuja national stadium is not as it is last ten years, but truthfully i tell u the last time i watched the super eagles play against sudan in that stadium, i saw nothing wrong about the stadium.... Eitherway badbelle is allowed.. |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by jazzydee: 4:29pm On Apr 20, 2015 |
padeolu: If flyovers, bridges are not necessary tell me why nigerian governors are copying Akpabio? Since akpabio built the first 4 flyovers at the same time many governors have copied same and are building it in their states and i bet you are one of those that celebrated the flyovers in you state! people like you do not know how to handle jealousy! If any of the infrastructures in Akwa Ibom were built in your state i bet you and your fellow critics would call it the best thing since slice bread. For your information the infrastructures in Akwa Ibom was built with State funds and Akwa Ibom people are happy about the way their funds have been used. dont take panadol for other people headache face your state government and set priorities for them. AKSG priorities are in the right place thats using public funds for public good unlike your governor thats moving his personal pockets forward with state funds. |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by mikolo80: 6:47pm On Apr 20, 2015 |
jazzydee:Show me one state go nigeria where its citizens cannot before 100Naira subsidised cinema ticket due to unmitigated poverty |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by mikolo80: 6:50pm On Apr 20, 2015 |
seankafor:Hahahahahahahahahaha people don't travel out because of infrastructure but where they will get good living standard. How does Flyover put food on your table. |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by mikolo80: 6:53pm On Apr 20, 2015 |
jazzydee:they're copying him cos they know there are many gullible ppl like you that are very ignorant so they can dazzle you while they loot your money and also there is serious traffic congestion. How many cars in uyo |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by jazzydee: 9:04pm On Apr 21, 2015 |
mikolo80:jealousy will kill you. Save your advise for your public fund stealing state government. and free Akwa Ibom. We all see and know where our state funds have gone, Its been invested on public infrastructures! unlike in your state where public funds are diverted into private pockets. Since you cant see the content of the private pockets of your state governor, hence you can't criticize it, but you can see and feel Akpabio's infrastructures so have a field day criticising because there is absence of public infrastructure in you state that warrants a debate, even the blind can see what Akpabio has done with public funds in Akwa Ibom. |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by mikolo80: 10:08pm On Apr 21, 2015 |
jazzydee:in the land of the blind the one eyed man is king. Remember you collect the highest derivation from govt yet your poverty is unpparalleled.but you're right this is a democracy and you have the right to vote for slavery |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by kayode27: 10:10pm On Apr 21, 2015 |
Way better than embezzlement. |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by jazzydee: 10:38pm On Apr 21, 2015 |
mikolo80: You are the most blind person in the world, Stop projecting your evil and blindness on me. The bible talks about the end times "when people shall see good and call evil and see evil and call good" I believe the bible was talking about folks like you, Who call a governor that is using public fund to do public work. by investing in public infrastructure Bad, But call governors that pocketed public funds good. keep living in darkness Unam. |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by mikolo80: 9:23am On Apr 22, 2015 |
jazzydee:never called the other governors good. it is you who say i did. never said it was not public work just said he could have done something more beneficial is it hungry people(that can not go to cinema) that will use the stadium(grass weeds,miscreants and faeces go soon full am and it("fake" bird's nest facade) was more expensive than real"bird's nest" in china he just used speed and misdirection to loot the most endoewd state while its citizens are doing houseboy all over nigeria why din't he buy tractors why not buil industrial estate to employ his people why not build a state owned refinery and give petroleum studies scholarship instead he built stadium that nobody(super chickens once every two years) will use check my posts even fashola is the same in my opinion he could have done 100 times what he did in lagos if not for looting but if you want to be xenophobic abi na governorphobic be my guest and continue to wallow i ignorance whats sad is you are supposed to be the educated one tha will enlighten the illiterates but if this is how you're thinking then no hope for your state in next 100 years abi you de follow share the contract money ne |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by astana1: 9:23am On Apr 22, 2015 |
GEJ administration marginalized AND SACKED PEOPLE TO SET OUT HIS TRIBALISTIC AGENDA Igbo man Ike Nkeremandu, Deputy Senate President Igbo man Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker (Imagine that in a country with 6 geopolitical zones, one occupies the two of the 4 major National Assemby leadership positions!!) Igbo man Pius Ayim, Secretary to the Federal Government igbo man Godwin Emefiele is the governor of the central bank of Nigeria Igbo woman, Finance Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy Igbo woman petroluem Minister Igbo man Nebo, Power Minister Igbo man Minister of aviation Printing and Minting - Igbo Nafdac -Igbo MINISTER OF Health - Igbo Jonathan removed other tribes from head of parastatals and put Igbos there but that would be addressed now. Bureau of statistics was filled up with Igbos. Even the Hausas/Fulanis in military have never done this above show of shame and pure tribalism. And Igbos were quiet all through that administration cos others were marginalised. |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by mikolo80: 9:35am On Apr 22, 2015 |
jazzydee: na your fellow kinsman be dis o Politics / Re: APC Planning To Use Tribunals To Steal Our Little Victories, PDP Cries Out by Navyguy: 7:58am [b][/b][color=#990000][/color]PLEASE APC SHOULD USE TRIBUNAL AND COLLECT THE STOLEN SENATE SEAT FROM THIEF GODSWILL AKPABIO OF AKWA IBOM STATE BECAUSE THE MAN DON THIEF TOO MUCH MONEY FROM THIS OUR STATE sad sad sad (Quote) (Report) (Like) (Share) |
Re: Akwa Ibom Stadium: Alternative Uses For $96m by Nobody: 11:49am On Apr 22, 2015 |
astana1: Guy you sounded as if those are the only ministerial position in Nigeria. Why not check the list below and stop spreading falsehood. Professor Chinedu Nebo - Minister of power - Mohammed Wakil - Minister of State power Ngozi Okonjo Iweala - Minister of Finance Olusegun Aganga - Minister for Trade and Investment Mr Bashir Yuguda - Minister of state finance Deziani Alison-Madueke - Minister of petroleum resources Dr. Akinwunmi Ayo Adesina - Minister of Agriculture Hajia Asabe Asmau Ahmed - Minister of State Agriculture Bala Muhammed - Minister of FCT Mrs. Olajumoke - Minister of State for FCT Sanusi Dagash - Minister of works Mr. Adeyeye - Minister of State, Works. Dr. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman - Minister of National planning Mohammed Adoke - Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mr Osita Chidoka - Minister of Aviation Mr. Edem Duke - Minister of culture and tourism; Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau - Minister of education Lawrencia Laraba Mallam - Minister of environment Ambassador Aminu Wali - Minister of Foreign affairs Prof. (Mrs) Viola Onwuliri - Minister of state Foreign affairs. Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu - Minister of Health Dr. Khaliru Alhassan - Minister of state Health Labaran Maku - Minister of information and communications Comrade Abba Moro - Minister of Interior Chukwuemeka Wogu - Minister of Labour and productivity Arc. Mohammed Musa Sada - Minister of mines and steel development Dr Stephen Orise Oru - Minister of Niger Delta Mr. Darius Dickson Ishaku - Minister of State Niger Delta Gen. Aliyu Gusau - Minister of Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro -Minister of State Defence Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan - Minister of Police Affairs Mr. Bulama - Minister of Science and Technology Senator Idris A.Umar - Minister of Transport Boni Haruna - Minister of Youth Development Hajia Zainab Maina - Minister Of Women Affairs Dr. Tamuno Danagogo - Minister of sport and chairman national sport commission Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi - Land, Housing and Urban Development Kabiru Turaki - Minister of Special Duties Read more: http://www..com/ng/presidency-judiciary-legislative-and-policies/3547-list-of-current-nigerias-ministers.html#ixzz3Y1ni0RWE |
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