Kailahun Mini Stadium Gets Major Boost as NSA Boss Funds Artificial Turf Project

The Town Chief of Kailahun, Chief Alpha Bingo Ndolleh, on Sunday led a traditional libation ceremony to officially commence the spreading of artificial turf at the Kailahun Mini Stadium, a project fully funded and driven by Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA).

Seeking blessings from God and the forefathers of the land, Chief Ndolleh described the project as a lasting legacy for the town. “The field was in bad shape. With the artificial turf, we will now call this place a mini stadium because the current ambiance befits it,” he said.

National Stadium Manager Paul Damulay thanked Dr. Abdulai for ensuring that local personnel received training in China during the rehabilitation of the National Stadium. “The turf will be installed by those trained locally,” he said, emphasizing the value of skills transfer to Sierra Leoneans.

Saidu Daboh, Caretaker of the Kailahun Mini Stadium, described the project as a dream come true. “We have got what we were yearning for,” he said, adding that President Julius Maada Bio made the right choice in appointing Dr. Abdulai.

Deen Koroma, Secretary General of the Kailahun District Descendant Association, said locals had advocated for over fifteen years to upgrade the field before Dr. Abdulai stepped in with concrete action. At the event, Dr. Abdulai was decorated with a sash, formally co-opting him into the descendant conclave.

Chairman of the Kailahun District Council, Ahmed Kekeh Sahr Lamin, highlighted Dr. Abdulai’s efforts in extending the Luawa name beyond Sierra Leone. He also announced plans to work with Dr. Abdulai to secure land for the construction of a vocational institute in Kailahun.

At the high point of the ceremony, Dr. Abdulai confirmed that President Bio will officially open the Kailahun Mini Stadium once the artificial turf is installed. “This project is my personal money,” he clarified, urging the people of Kailahun to take ownership. He also thanked his wife for her support and declared his ambition to succeed President Bio in the future.

Vice Chairman of the Kailahun District Football Association, Philip Foday Momoh, praised Dr. Abdulai’s passion for football, announcing his membership for Luawa FC due to the artificial turf project.

MP Sarty Banya lauded Dr. Abdulai’s tenure at the NSA, saying it has brought significant development to football in Kailahun. “The growth of football in Kailahun today can be traced to him,” Banya said, calling on the community to ensure proper maintenance of the field.

Former MP Madam Navo Kaikai highlighted Dr. Abdulai’s dedication to his hometown, noting that he had represented her in court for free when the APC pursued legal action against her. She pledged community support for future infrastructure, including a standard pavilion and toilet facility, and encouraged locals to take care of the stadium.

The Kailahun Mini Stadium project is now poised to become a central hub for football and community activities in the district, reflecting both Dr. Abdulai’s personal commitment and his broader vision for sports development in Sierra Leone.