Memories of the late former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, have continued to resonate among residents, with many recalling the era when giant television screens were installed across the state’s 25 local government areas to provide public viewing centres for football matches and other live broadcasts.
Uduaghan, who died at the age of 71, just two days before his 72nd birthday, is being remembered by many residents for policies and initiatives they say brought people together and provided young people with alternative recreational activities.
One of the initiatives that has resurfaced in public discussions is the installation of large television screens at strategic locations across Delta State during his administration.
The screens became popular gathering points for football lovers, students, commercial motorcyclists and other residents who assembled to watch major sporting events, particularly international football competitions.
Many residents have recalled how the public viewing centres attracted large crowds during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 edition hosted by Brazil.
According to some residents, the screens provided opportunities for people who could not afford paid television subscriptions or lacked access to television sets at home to enjoy major football matches with friends and neighbours.
One resident, recalling the atmosphere in Sapele, said the screens provided an opportunity to watch major European football competitions, including UEFA Champions League matches involving clubs such as Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
Another resident, who said they left Asaba around 2012, recalled the installation of the screens and how football enthusiasts, particularly commercial motorcyclists, gathered around viewing points to watch matches.
The A Summit Roundabout in Asaba was among the locations mentioned by residents who remember the initiative.
In Warri, another resident recalled how the public screenings added excitement to the city, bringing young people together during football matches and providing a recreational outlet.
“Warri was lighted up with fun during that time with matches, and it helped to pull restive youths out of many negative issues,” the resident said, lamenting what they described as the disappearance of that atmosphere.
Security Concerns Halted Public Screenings
Some residents attributed the eventual shutdown of the screens to security concerns, particularly fears surrounding large public gatherings during the period of frequent bomb attacks by Boko Haram in parts of the country.
One commenter argued that the screens were switched off to prevent crowds from becoming potential targets rather than as a result of poor governance.
“To the best of my knowledge, these big screens were taken down to avoid large gatherings because of bomb blasts, not as a result of bad government,” the commenter said.
However, the circumstances surrounding the shutdown of the installations, as well as their present condition and ownership, would require official clarification.
For many residents, the memories remain vivid, particularly those associated with the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, when several matches were broadcast at night because of the time difference between Brazil and Nigeria.
One resident recalled travelling to the Estate area at midnight to watch matches, describing the experience as part of the excitement surrounding the tournament.
Others remembered similar viewing centres in communities such as Orerokpe and Abraka, including one reportedly located around Police Station Junction in Abraka.
Residents Propose New Uses for the Screens
Beyond reminiscing about the past, some residents have suggested that the abandoned installations could be refurbished and put to productive use.
One proposal is to convert the screens into digital advertising platforms through which the state government or local councils could generate revenue while providing information and public announcements to residents.
Supporters of the idea believe that restoring the facilities could revive community recreational spaces, create opportunities for local businesses and offer young people affordable access to sporting events.
The renewed discussion has also sparked praise for Uduaghan’s administration, with some residents describing him as one of the best governors to have led Delta State.
“Uduaghan is one of the best governors to ever rule Delta State. Sentiment aside, the guy tried during his tenure,” another commenter wrote.
Another resident recalled the screen installed opposite Adane Okpe Primary School in Orerokpe, expressing nostalgia for the period.
While opinions differ on the former governor’s overall performance and the reasons the public viewing centres ceased operating, the comments highlight the lasting impression the initiative made on some residents.
For many of those who experienced the screenings, the giant television sets represented more than football. They were places where neighbours gathered, friendships developed and communities shared moments of excitement.
As tributes continue to emerge following Uduaghan’s death, residents’ recollections of the public viewing centres have renewed calls for the Delta State Government to assess the abandoned installations and determine whether they can be restored or repurposed for public benefit.
Credit: Urhobo Waadooo
