In a remarkable display of community spirit, the committee overseeing the construction of the Abdullahi Isse Football Stadium in Galkayo has handed over the funds they had raised, amounting to $228,000. This milestone event was attended by representatives from the Galmudug State administration, sports authorities from Galkayo and the Mudug region, as well as community elders led by the spokesperson, Aqli Lisha Abdi.
The funds were handed over to the Nis Foundation, which will contribute an additional $277,072, bringing the total to $505,072 for the completion of the Abdullahi Isse Football Stadium. The project aims to provide a modern sports facility for the city’s youth and promote the development of football in the region.
During the handover ceremony, the committee presented the various stages of the stadium’s construction and the financial challenges they faced. Mohamed Ali Kaahiye, the chairperson of the construction committee, spoke about the project’s journey and the community’s efforts to secure the necessary funds.
Representatives from various segments of society also addressed the gathering, welcoming the initiative and expressing their support. The deputy governor of the Mudug region for development and projects, Dr. Beddel Sheikh Libaan, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of such community-driven initiatives.
The official groundbreaking for the construction of the Abdullahi Isse Football Stadium is scheduled for the 20th of this month, as announced by representatives from the Nis Foundation during the ceremony. The committee overseeing the project’s development was formed on October 31st and comprises local youth and community members dedicated to the cause.
Interestingly, not all the initially appointed committee members had a background in sports. One member, Imam Hayo Koofurow, who is still part of the committee, admitted that they initially faced challenges and doubts about their ability to undertake such a significant project. However, through perseverance and determination, they overcame these obstacles and embraced the task at hand.
Looking ahead, Mohamed Ali Kaahiye expressed his gratitude for the community’s involvement and pledged to provide regular updates on the committee’s progress. He emphasized the historical significance of this initiative, which will be remembered by all those who contributed, including former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, who made a financial contribution during the early stages.
The committee chairperson also acknowledged the role of the youth who initially conceived the idea of establishing a sports center named after Abdullahi Isse. Although they were young at the time, they have now grown into adults and witnessed their vision come to fruition. One of these individuals, who used to frequent the site to watch football matches, recognized the potential of the initiative and its alignment with the goals of the Nis Foundation, as stated by Abdullahi himself.
As the Abdullahi Isse Stadium nears completion, it stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the determination of Galkayo’s residents to provide opportunities for their youth to engage in sports and foster a vibrant, healthy society.
