Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Abuja Chapter has condemned in its entirety the decision of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to turn its Sports complex popularly known as Old parade ground to a dumping ground for seized cows parading the Nation’s capital.
The Association in a statement issued at the weekend warned that the decision by the leadership of FCTA led by Minister Musa Bello to dump hundreds of cows particularly on the football pitch would further prevent athletes representing teams from their regular trainings.
The release made available by the Abuja SWAN Chairman, Comrade Kayode Adeniyi further enjoined the Minister to immediately relocate the Cows and order environmental officials to seek alternative place to keep materials or animals apprehended from defaulting residents.
“The cows packed into the football pitch have not only become an eye saw but barred athletes from using the pitch for training. Since last four days, the association has been inundated with concerns from stakeholders who are not comfortable with the current development.
‘’Initially, our thinking was that the authority will quickly evacuate the cows from the parade ground but we are surprised to still see them up till now.”
About 15 Abuja-based clubs including FC Abuja, FRSC FC, Supreme Court FC among others participating in various football leagues in Nigeria have been squeezed into using only Area 3 playground to train and play their matches since the recent development which kept them away from Old parade ground.
