Jonathan open's Akwa Ibom Stadium

President Goodluck Jonathan who laid
the foundation stone of the Akwa Ibom
Stadium two years ago was on hand to
commission the sumptuous arena yester­
day. Assisted by two serving presidents
of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama and
Côte d’Ivoire’s Alassane Drmane Ouat­
tara, as well as former President of
Ghana, Jerry Rawlings, the president
declared the edifice open at quarter past
six in the evening (6:15pm).
He paid tributes to Governor Godswill
Akpabio, who executed the project in
record time, pointing out governments in
the federation sometimes initiated
programmes, which they were often
unable to finish.
“This has not been the case here. I
therefore commend the governor for the
achievement”. He also pointed out the
significance of Akwa Ibom, being the first
state to host three serving presidents at
the same time on occasion that had
nothing to do with a major political or
economic meeting. The commissioning
preceded the Nigeria versus Ghana
football match.
Ghana’s president in his goodwill
message, deviated to commend the coun­
try on how the Ebola virus was contained
and showed how Nigeria can achieve a
lot if all work together.
President John Dramani Mahama also
spoke as the chairman of ECOWAS,
remarked that the stadium will not just
be a nest for champions of Nigeria, but
also that of West Africa, Africa and the
world.
He hoped that the arena will breed future
Serena Williams, Nemar, Pele and other
notable names of the world.