The Adamawa State government has said it is set to deliver a world-class stadium complex capable of hosting national and international sporting events once fully completed, despite the unresolved issue of land encroachment around the site. The pledge was made by the state governor during an on-the-spot assessment of the state ultra-modern sports complex in Yola, the state capital.
The Adamawa State Stadium complex had been abandoned for over two decades by previous administrations in the state. According to the report, it now stands as an imposing edifice and a source of pride to sports lovers in the state, having reached an advanced stage of completion.
During the visit, the governor expressed concern over structures that have been built on some portions of the land designated for other aspects of the stadium complex. He described the occupants of those structures as illegal encroachers who would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
The residents of the area, however, insist that they legally acquired the land from previous administrations and that they are in possession of valid certificates of occupancy. They are appealing to the government to reconsider the proposed demolition or, where acquisition is unavoidable, to provide adequate compensation for their homes and businesses.
Some of the affected residents asked the authorities to consider their plight and to help relocate them, saying the government was free to demolish the houses provided that those affected were compensated. They argued that, if the land is to be acquired for public interest, they should first be issued a notice of revocation and then paid compensation, steps which they say have not been taken.
In response to the appeal, the governor gave an assurance that the matter would be resolved with a human face, with alternative land to be provided for those affected. At the same time, he reaffirmed his administration's commitment to transparency, accountability and the delivery of projects intended to improve the lives of the people of Adamawa State.