By Coach Tony Shav | From Jos, Plateau State
Amid rising controversy over the delayed renovation of Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, Coach Tony Shav has urged stakeholders to refrain from using the situation as a tool for blackmail against the contractor, Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Limited.
While acknowledging the delay, Coach Shav emphasized that it is not unusual for large-scale infrastructure projects to experience setbacks, especially when the project scope expands midstream. Investigations reveal that 14 additional items were included after the original agreement, significantly increasing the workload.
“Most of the original contract involved ‘buy and install’ components. However, the newly added works require further mobilization and additional funding. Imported materials for the stadium have arrived at the port but are currently incurring demurrage due to delayed release of payments by the government,” Shav explained.
Ebi Egbe, CEO of Monimichelle, confirmed that work is ongoing at the stadium, including on the new additions that have yet to be paid for. He denied abandoning the project, stating that the delays stem from expanded requirements and payment bottlenecks, not negligence.
The contract was reportedly signed directly between the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, and Monimichelle, with minimal involvement from the Commissioner for Sports. This arrangement suggests that the contractor is operating under the governor’s directives, possibly explaining the silence from the state’s leadership on the matter.
Coach Shav also dismissed claims linking Lobi Stars’ relegation to the delayed stadium delivery. He pointed out that Lobi Stars have successfully used alternative venues such as Jos Township Stadium and Lafia City Stadium over the past three seasons, even qualifying for the Super Six and nearly clinching the league title during this period.
“Blaming the Aper Aku Stadium project for Lobi Stars’ current woes is misleading and amounts to blackmail. The facts simply don’t support such narratives,” Shav concluded.
Key Points:
Project delay caused by expanded scope and payment delays, not contractor abandonment.
Monimichelle remains on-site and continues work.
No factual basis for blaming Lobi Stars’ relegation on the stadium situation.
