Monimichelle Sports, the firm overseeing upgrades at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, Benue State, has responded to growing concerns and blackmail allegations surrounding the ongoing renovation works.
In an exclusive statement made available to Galaxy Sports Worldwide, Monimichelle clarified that the 10,000-capacity stadium, originally built 37 years ago and abandoned for nearly three seasons, was not constructed to meet international standards. The company emphasized that the budget being discussed in public circles is grossly insufficient to fully upgrade the facility to FIFA and CAF standards.
Clarifying their scope of work on our sports platform Galaxy Sports Worldwide, Monimichelle explained that the original contract only mandated the procurement and installation of main bowl facilities at the stadium. However, following the first visit by the Governor of Benue State to the project site, the scope of work was expanded. The state government directed the company to work on ancillary facilities essential for obtaining FIFA/CAF approvals, including critical components needed for the Nigerian national team to use the stadium.
Despite these major additions to the project, Monimichelle stated that no mobilization funds were provided for the extra work initiated after the first instruction. Following a second visit to the site by the Governor, alongside the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), more recommendations were made, leading to further expansion of the project scope. This included the construction of a medical center, dope testing room, and male and female referees’ changing rooms, all fully equipped with showers, toilets, and lockers, again without immediate financial mobilization.
The company confirmed that all works have been carried out under strict supervision by a team from the Benue State Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Supervisory teams include seasoned architects, quantity surveyors, builders, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers, with monthly site meetings held since the project began.
Monimichelle revealed that they have so far received only 30% of the contract sum initially, followed by an additional 40%, leaving a balance of 30% on the original contract. With imported components already arriving at Nigerian ports, the company has requested an additional 20% of the original contract sum and 60% for the extra works completed under the two added instructions to fast-track project completion.
Addressing the wave of criticisms and accusations from various quarters in Makurdi, Monimichelle said much of the negative publicity is being driven by aggrieved individuals, including those who lost out on the contract or who sought unreasonable financial demands, which the company rejected. The company stressed that such attacks are a reflection of deep-rooted corruption in Nigeria’s sports infrastructure sector.
Highlighting their track record, Monimichelle pointed out that despite being the most blackmailed sports construction company in Nigeria, their completed projects consistently deliver positive results. To counter misinformation, Monimichelle now operates dedicated WhatsApp groups for real-time project updates on all their ongoing sites across Nigeria.
In comparing project costs, Monimichelle stated that 1.7 billion naira is insufficient to upgrade a 10,000-capacity stadium that was poorly built decades ago. They pointed out that similar upgrade projects, like the Warri Stadium and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, involve much higher costs.
Reaffirming their commitment, Monimichelle assured the public through Galaxy Sports Worldwide that they remain fully dedicated to the Aper Aku Stadium project and to all their other projects nationwide. However, they made it clear that they will not compromise their standards or bow to unreasonable pressures that could compromise the quality of the final delivery.
A Call for Action: At Galaxy Sports Worldwide, we solicit to the Benue State government to mobilize the contractors of the Aper Aku Stadium, Monimichelle, to finish this work they started in good faith. This stadium is going to continue as proof that the Benue State government under the current leadership has its people at heart. The more they keep such a project on hold, the more people are going to use it as a reason to discredit the state government.
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