The new Uyo Stadium: commissioned by President Jonathan

Jonathan was accompanied to the event by Presidents John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and Alassane Quattara of Ivory Coast.

Jonathan said he was delighted to have laid the foundation stone of the project and also inaugurated it on completion.

He said the inauguration was a source of pride for the state and the nation.

“We are very happy to join you in the celebration of this great achievement; Akwa Ibom is a great state. What we have seen today has shown hard work, great vision and amazing transformation.

“This is a reminder that leadership of PDP is paying attention to the aspiration of the electorate of this great country and this great state”, Jonathan said.

He commended Gov. Godswill Akpabio for the enormous infrastructure development in the state.

In his remark, Quattara said the stadium would not only be the nesting ground for future Nigerian champions but indeed for West African and African champions.

“May we see great sports men and women emerging from this stadium, may this stadium be a blessing for the people of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria’’, he said.

He said the edifice was one of the best on the continent, adding that Africans were impressed with the achievement in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.

“I wish to congratulate Governor Akpabio and President Goodluck Jonathan for their achievements.

He also congratulated Nigeria and Senegal for their curtailment of Ebola disease, adding that it showed that Nigerians can achieve if they worked together.

Gov. Akpabio also stated his belief that the stadium would produce great champions in the future.