The Delta state government has commenced the renovation of the Warri Township Stadium as Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has given the contractor handling the project a three-month ultimatum to complete the work.
President of the athletic Federation of Nigeria who is also the chairman of the Delta State Sports commission Tonobock Okowa who is on inspection says the stadium is being given a complete facelift as the tracks, the pitch, seats and the swimming pool will be wearing a new look when completed.
Mr Tonobok Okowa said the governor is not resting as he has given the contractor three months ultimatum to finish the job and deliver it.
He noted that he is also not resting as he has to ensure the contractor delivers without delays.
He promised that by the time the ongoing renovation work is done within the next three months, the Warri City Stadium will be the envy of all sports enthusiasts.
He stated that the majority of the facilities are old and would need to be repaired to match international standards.
He stated that the tartan tracks would be replaced with modern ones, similar to what was done at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, where the old ones were removed and replaced with the same quality as those used in Oregon and Birmingham.
He also stated that the same facilities in Birmingham are what the Governor has asked them to utilize, but he emphasized that security forces must be there to prevent vandals from destroying the facilities.
According to him, the various areas of the complex will be fully addressed to ensure that the Governor’s directions are followed out without fail.
He also mentioned that the swimming pool will be updated because it is currently of international grade but would require continual use for effective utilization and maintenance.