ENUGU STATE AND DEL-YORK GROUP FINALIZE AGREEMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF 042 ARENA AND ENTERTAINMENT PARK

The Enugu State Government has entered into an agreement with Del-York Group to establish an ultra-modern Multipurpose Sports, Education, and Entertainment hub named the 042 Arena and Entertainment Park.

The signing ceremony, held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Government House in Enugu, was attended by the Governor of Enugu State, the Secretary to the State Government, the Attorney General, Commissioners for Investments and Trade, Tourism, Youths and Sports, and other key government officials, along with representatives from the Del-York Group.

During the ceremony, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Governor of the State, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and the collaboration with Del-York Group, describing it as a game-changer for the state.

He stated, “We are on a mission to make Enugu State a preferred destination for investment, and this project signals the triumph of the investment spirit of the State. Working with our strategic Joint Venture partners, the Del-York Group, we will achieve our mandate of becoming the investment capital of Nigeria. We are wholeheartedly committed to providing all the necessary support alongside creating an enabling environment to make the project a resounding success.”

“We proudly embrace our rich legacy in Sports and Entertainment, with Enugu standing as the birthplace of some of Nigeria’s iconic sports figures and a renowned hub for entertainment. Recognizing that past solutions may not suffice for future challenges, we are purposefully leveraging our strengths – our historical significance, abundant talent pool, and fervor for sports and entertainment – to propel Enugu State into a robust, resilient, and prosperous future,” he emphasized.

“At the heart of our vision lies the 042 Arena and Entertainment Park, designed with cutting-edge facilities to meet the diverse training and development requirements of athletes at all levels. From nurturing young talents in youth programs to supporting seasoned international professionals, this comprehensive facility aims to be inclusive. Moreover, it will offer contemporary event spaces that cater to both athletes and spectators, ensuring a modern and engaging experience for all.

Beyond dedicated sports venues and training facilities, the Enugu State development initiative encompasses athlete accommodations, a state-of-the-art physical therapy and sports medicine center, and a performance hub tailored to meet the specific strength, conditioning, and nutritional needs of elite athletes.

Additionally, the project integrates training programs in associated fields such as sports medicine, sports marketing, and athlete agency, aiming to bolster the emerging generation of athletes and foster success in international competitions.

This venture is set to establish a holistic ecosystem crucial for the advancement and prosperity of the entertainment industry in Enugu State.

“Drawing from the dynamic heritage of the industry, this initiative will establish a vibrant hub that encourages cooperation, ingenuity, and entertainment excellence.

Anticipated outcomes of the project include the generation of numerous employment opportunities for the residents of Enugu State, as well as the attraction of investors and an influx of tourists to the region.

Moreover, the project will serve as a prominent platform for the youth to showcase their talents, contributing to the advancement of sports and youth development not only in the State but also across the entire South-East region.

Dr. Linus Idahosa, CEO of Del-York Group, affirmed the firm’s dedication to delivering a world-class sports and entertainment hub that will serve as a cultural legacy for Enugu State and the broader South Eastern region.

He underscored the significance of collaboration through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in executing projects that bring substantial value to grassroots communities. Dr. Idahosa stated:

“We fully recognize and embrace the transformative influence of sports and the creative arts as unifying forces and catalysts for economic development in Enugu State. This vision inspired the inception of our groundbreaking project – a Public Private Partnership uniting the Enugu State Government, Del-York Group, and other key collaborators. We firmly believe that by harnessing the inherent strengths of Enugu and positioning the rich heritage of sports and entertainment at the core of its development strategy, the potential for the future is boundless.”

With this transformative initiative, Enugu State is poised to emerge as a key hub for sports and entertainment not just within Nigeria but across West Africa. This commendable endeavor carries significant promise in advancing the State’s investment objectives.

Source: Techeconomy