APER AKU STADIUM’S HISTORIC RENOVATION: A GLIMPSE INTO ITS TRANSFORMATION AFTER 37 YEARS.
By Tema Ager
They say, “Seeing is believing,” and today, I experienced that firsthand. I had the rare privilege of touring the Aper Aku Stadium, and what I witnessed left me in awe. The ongoing renovation, the first in 37 years, is nothing short of a remarkable transformation, thanks to Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Company.
The stadium, once neglected, is now undergoing a world-class facelift to meet international standards. Several modern facilities, previously nonexistent, have been installed. Among them are:
Referee Lounges (Male & Female) – Each equipped with two toilets and two showers.
Home & Away Dressing Rooms – Complete with individual lockers in Benue colors (Tiv, Idoma, and Igede).
Shower Facilities – Twelve showers per dressing room, six toilets, and handwashing basins with marble tiling.
Governor’s Lounge – A first for the stadium.
Grand Stand Upgrades – Four gates, each with two toilets, six urinals, and two handwashing basins.
Disability-Friendly Gate – Ensuring inclusivity for physically challenged fans.
Water Sprinkler System – Six strategically placed ports for efficient turf maintenance.
Additional Facilities – A massage room, ball boys’ room, match coordinators’ room, and a media mix zone for post-match interviews.
Monimichelle’s Commitment Amid Challenges
Despite some deviations from the initial contract due to delays in equipment arrival, Dr. Fidelis Kenigbolo, Quantity Surveyor of Monimichelle, emphasized that the company remains committed to delivering an internationally acclaimed stadium. Rather than waiting idly, they have undertaken additional repairs, beyond the contract scope, at their own expense.
The Site Manager, Mr. Anjira Jacob, along with Civil Engineer Engr. Brown Idiabeta and Site Supervisor Eugene Ochuale, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for entrusting them with the project. They reassured the public of their commitment to not only renovating the stadium but also maintaining it for years before handing it over.
Dr. Kenigbolo further urged the public to remain patient and trust the process, emphasizing that the temporary delay is actually a blessing in disguise, as it allows for the completion of critical enhancements beyond the initial plan.
A Stadium Reborn
As soon as the necessary equipment arrives, floodlights will be installed, and the pitch will be laid, setting the stage for Benue’s home games. With the ongoing transformation, Aper Aku Stadium is poised to become a premier sports facility, not just in Nigeria but on the international stage.
Benue is on the brink of witnessing a historic rebirth in sports infrastructure, and this project stands as a testament to visionary leadership and unwavering commitment.
