Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Ltd., Ebi Egbe, has urged the Enugu State Government to prioritise durable and sustainable sporting infrastructure ahead of the National Sports Festival, stressing that facilities developed for the event must continue to serve athletes and communities long after the competition ends.

Egbe expressed hope that the state government was investing in modern sporting facilities built to withstand the test of time, rather than focusing on infrastructure designed primarily to create impressive images for opening ceremonies and attract media attention.

“What Nigeria needs today is not sporting facilities designed merely to produce beautiful photographs for opening ceremonies and media publicity. 

We need durable, functional, internationally compliant sporting infrastructure that will stand the test of time,” Egbe said.

The Monimichelle boss noted that the National Sports Festival presents an opportunity for host states and the Federal Government to address the persistent challenges of infrastructural decay in Nigerian sports. 

He argued that investments in sports facilities should deliver long term benefits through quality construction, appropriate technical specifications and sustainable maintenance programmes capable of supporting grassroots sports development, athlete preparation and elite performance.

According to Egbe, the true value of sporting infrastructure should be determined by its functionality, safety and durability years after the event, rather than its appearance on the opening day.

 He maintained that facilities should remain useful five, ten and fifteen years after the festival, providing opportunities for future generations of athletes to develop their talents and compete at the highest level.

“We must move away from event driven infrastructure development towards sustainable sports infrastructure investment,” he added. 

“Nigeria does not need more ceremonial sporting facilities. Nigeria needs sporting infrastructure that will develop champions for generations.”

Egbe's position underscores the importance of long term planning, quality construction and effective maintenance in ensuring that the Enugu National Sports Festival leaves a lasting sporting legacy. 

Beyond hosting a successful competition, the state has an opportunity to establish facilities that will strengthen grassroots participation, improve athlete development and contribute to the future growth of Nigerian sports.