President Goodluck Jonathan leads other West African leaders in gracing the occasion of the grand opening ceremony of the 30,000 capacity Akwa Ibom International Stadium today, Friday, November 7, 2014, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The Trent’s Ubokobong Uko is reporting live from the Olympic-size stadium where a huge crowd has gathered to celebrate the opening of the grand edifice which took 24 months to complete.
On the roll call of dignitaries present in Akwa Ibom for the event are President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote D’Voire, a former President of Ghana Jerry Rowlings. They are joined by dignitaries from around the country and abroad.
The President arrived the stadium at about 5.45 along with the two other African leaders and Rawlings. The national anthems of Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote D’Voire were played. After which, Governor Godswill Akpabio gave his welcome speech. Followed by a performance by Akwa Ibom All Stars band.
President cut the ribbon officially opening to ultra modern stadium to a thunderous applause a jubilant audience.
Some notable Nigerian footballers are also in attendance including Victor Igali, Taribo West and the assistant manager of the Nigeria national football team, Daniel Amokachi.
A friendly match is expected to take place at the event between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Black Stars of Ghana.
Nigerian artistes billed to perform are Kcee and the whole of Mavin crew, the “Akwa-Ibom first son” Mish, Pastor Goody Goody, Fadabasi, Aity Dennis, Ann Inyang and MC Galaxy.
The dress rehearsal for this event took place Wednesday at the venue which is said to be the best in West Africa and is modelled after the Allianz Arena in Germany.
Some of the unique features of the stadium included a 4-tier, covered seating terrace, all-natural grass, high-tech floodlights and security cameras, 36 emergency exits, bullet proof VVIP and VIP along with other ultra-modern facilities.
We would continue to update the story and the photo gallery below as the event unfolds.
Also, photos of the event are being shared on Twitter. See below:
: Live in Uyo. #AkwaIbomStadiumOpening @Speakibibio @promiseetim25 @aniekemefinbarr @Mikeekpo pic.twitter.com/X3erNi8U49"
— :Turrnado (@Fort411) November 7, 2014
Crowd pouring into the #AkwaIbomStadium for today's opening http://t.co/q5bA4pcNjj pic.twitter.com/Gazq8J0W7h
— Colin NOT Collins 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@ColinUdoh) November 7, 2014
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. It is being updated.
