Nigerian federal government said it would release grants to states selected to host the FIFA Under-17 World Soccer Tournament two weeks after the approval of the 2009 budget, Xinhua reported.
Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan gave the assurance in Kaduna on Tuesday shortly after inspecting facilities at the Murtala Muhammed tadium and the Township Stadium, both in the state capital.
He said the grants had been approved by President Umaru Yar'Adua for disbursement as the government assistance to the selected states.
According to him, the assistance would complement the efforts of such states toward the successful hosting of the tournament, adding that the assistance would depend on the level of commitment, challenges and quality of work carried out by the affected states.
The vice-president described Kaduna State as the first among the nine selected to host the youth tournament.
He observed that the state's appreciable level of preparedness might not be unconnected with the fact that it would host the 16th National Sports Festival in February.
Jonathan commended the efforts and commitment of the people and government of Kaduna State toward the successful hosting of the soccer tournament. In his remarks, Governor Namadi Sambo said the state government had renovated the two major stadia in the Kaduna metropolis to FIFA standards.
He said the state government had provided security equipment, including 1,000 patrol vehicles, to the police to beef up security in the state.
