The Delta State Sports Commission has officially handed over the renovation and upgrade project of the iconic Warri City Stadium to Peculiar Ultimate Consult Limited.
During a visit to the stadium on Thursday, the Commission’s Chairman, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori, accompanied by stakeholders from the Supervisory Ministry and the Warri South Local Government, made the handover official.
Hon. Oborevwori expressed full confidence in the contracting firm’s ability to deliver a world-class facility within the stipulated timeframe. He praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving and funding the project and urged Warri residents to support the governor’s MORE Agenda for infrastructural growth.
Adeleke Olariwaju, Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Consult, assured all present that the project would be completed in 14 months. The remodelled stadium will include a main bowl, two practice pitches, swimming and diving pools, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis, as well as multipurpose halls.
Commissioner for Housing Hon. Godknows Angele and Warri South Local Government Chairman Hon. Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro both commended the initiative. They described it as a monumental stride for sports and talent development in Delta State.
Once home to prestigious tournaments like the 2006 Women’s African Football Championship and the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup, Warri City Stadium is set to regain its status as a leading sports hub in Nigeria.
Editorial
We are thrilled to see serious steps being taken to revive Warri City Stadium. This stadium has a rich history and has hosted continental and global events, yet for too long, it has sat in decline. Now, with this ambitious upgrade project in motion, we believe it can once again stand as a beacon of sports excellence in Nigeria.
We commend the Delta State government for backing this vision. Infrastructure is the backbone of sports development, and facilities like Warri City Stadium can nurture future athletes who will represent Nigeria on the world stage. The decision to include multiple sports amenities from practice pitches to diving pools and courts for basketball and volleyball shows an understanding of the diverse needs of young athletes.
But enthusiasm alone will not be enough. We must hold Peculiar Ultimate Consult accountable to deliver on their promise within 14 months. Every stage of this project should be transparent, and the finished stadium must meet international standards. We also hope that after construction, maintenance plans are put in place to ensure longevity and continuous use.
The community’s role cannot be understated. Warri residents must not only support the project but also take ownership of the facility, ensuring it becomes a well utilised hub for youth development, competitions, and community events.
This upgrade is more than concrete and steel; it is an investment in future generations. If completed with the right vision and commitment, Warri City Stadium can once again echo with the cheers of greatness.
Did You Know?
- Warri City Stadium was one of the official venues for the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup.
- The stadium has a current capacity of 20,000 but plans are underway to expand its facilities further.
- Peculiar Ultimate Consult has previously completed large-scale sports projects, including facilities for the National Sports Festival.
- The stadium once served as the home ground for Warri Wolves FC in the Nigerian Professional Football League.
- Delta State has won the National Sports Festival more times than any other state in Nigeria.
