One of the Stadia, which Nigeria used in hosting the 2006 edition of the Africa Women Championships (AWC), Ughelli Stadium, has been vandalised.

The stadium, which was built by the James Ibori administration in Delta State, was one of the four venues that hosted the championships . The other three stadia used for the 2006 AWC were those in Oghara, Warri and Oleh.

On Thursday, the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, visited Ughelli Stadium as part of his tour of facilities in the state, and discovered that some major items in the stadium complex had been vandalised.

He described the level of vandalisation as ‘disturbing’, just as he raised the alarm over ‘unlawfully encroachment’ of some sections of the stadium land.

“What we have seen here is very disturbing,” Oborevwori lamented. “Public facilities meant for sports development have been vandalised, and there is clear evidence of encroachment on government land.”

He condemned the rate of vandalisation and encroachment at the Ughelli Stadium, even as he directed a staff of the Commission, Mr. Omonigho Johnson, to urgently prepare a comprehensive report on the condition of the stadium and its facilities to guide for immediate intervention.

“We need a detailed report without delay so that decisive steps can be taken to protect and restore this stadium,” he stated.

It was learnt that the 40KVA Generator in the stadium was vandalised, window protectors removed, and people now build all manner of structures including stores in front of the stadium to deface the complex.

Oborevwori and his team also visited the ongoing remodeling of the Warri City Stadium, and applauded the pace and quality of work at the complex.

While taking the Chairman and his entourage round the project site, representative of the Contracting firm, Peculiar Consult, Engr. James Titus, disclosed that construction activities were ongoing day and night to ensure the timely completion of the project, which was awarded last year by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

“We are working round the clock to ensure that the stadium is completed on schedule and in line with the required standards,” Titus stated.

Speaking after the tour, Oborevwori commended the contractors for the quality of work so far, expressing optimism that the project would be delivered as planned.

“I am impressed with what I have seen here in Warri. The quality of work gives me confidence that this stadium will be delivered to standard and within the stipulated time.”

He reaffirmed that Governor Oborevwori is committed to the development, maintenance and protection of sports infrastructure across the state, stressing that standard and functional facilities remain critical to talent development and the sustained growth of sports in Delta State.