All is set for the inauguration of the magnificent 30,000-capacity Uyo International Stadium in the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The inauguration of the magnificent edifice is to be performed this evening by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. An international friendly football match would then follow between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Ghana Black Stars by 6:30 p.m. under floodlight at the magnificient stadium.

The world-class stadium has been described as one of the landmark project initiated and completed by the administration of the state governor, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, and a prominent item on the Uncommon Transformation bouquet of the government.

Briefing newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, disclosed that the Presidents of Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, as well as the football legend Pele would also be at the historic stadium commissioning.

He stated that the significance of the stadium to the development of sport in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and, indeed, Africa, justifies the elaborate arrangements made to mark the official commissioning.

Mr. Umana explained that the stadium is a two-tiered structure that includes 400m-running track for athletic events. It sits on a 36.3 hectares of land and is enclosed by a white triangular-shaped outer covering that encircles the whole stands and its its geometry is developed on the basis of a typical layout for multi-purpose stadia, with an arena consisting running track and under consideration of optimal viewing for such sports as football and athletics.

The Grand Stand can comfortably accommodate about 7,500 spectators including the VIP/VVIPs, while it’s East Stand and Curves have provision for approximately 22,500 people. The Governors’ Lounge is located on the Grand Stand on Level Two and has a sitting capacity for between 30 and 40 VVIPs.

The stadium, in addition, has two video boards with the screens placed under the roof of the curves at opposite angles.

“Considering the quality of the edifice which is adjudged to be the best in the West Africa sub region, there is no doubt that it will add value to sport development in the state, nation and global community,” Umanah said.

News Express reports that every ticket for any sporting event in the stadium carries the seat number of individual spectators.

•Photo shows Uyo International Stadium.

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