Kogi Govt Eyes Sports Infrastructure Renewal, Youth Capacity Building in 2026 Budget – Commissioner
The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering greater dividends of democracy to residents, as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, defended the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal before the Kogi State House of Assembly.
During the budget defence, Hon. Anyebe presented the ministry’s spending plan as a roadmap for repositioning youth empowerment and sports development in the state, stressing that the proposals align with the development agenda of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration.
He explained that the 2026 budget prioritises capacity building, infrastructure renewal and programme expansion across the youth and sports sectors, noting that these areas are critical to unlocking opportunities for young people and stimulating economic activities.
The commissioner drew the attention of lawmakers to long-standing structural challenges affecting the ministry, particularly the shortage of professional personnel and the poor state of sports facilities across the state. He noted that many of these issues predate the current administration, but assured the House that the Ododo government is determined to confront them head-on.
According to him, the government is pursuing strategic interventions, including the recruitment of qualified professionals and the rehabilitation of abandoned sports infrastructure, to ensure improved service delivery and sustainable growth in the sector.
Hon. Anyebe said the proposed budget also supports plans to revive key assets such as the Confluence Stadium, which he described as central to the state’s sports economy. He disclosed that the state government is engaging private investors under a Build, Operate, Own and Transfer arrangement to restore the facility and return it to productive use.
He expressed optimism that, once completed, the project would reposition Kogi State to host major sporting events, attract visitors and create new economic opportunities, leveraging the state’s strategic location close to the Federal Capital Territory.
The commissioner appealed to the House of Assembly to give the ministry’s budget proposal favourable consideration, stressing that increased funding would translate into expanded programmes, better infrastructure and tangible benefits for youths and sports stakeholders across the state.
He assured lawmakers and residents that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains fully committed to strengthening the youth and sports sector through improved funding, innovative partnerships and enhanced revenue generation, in line with his pledge to deliver inclusive and people-centred development in Kogi State.
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