The re-modelled Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and four other stadiums under reconstruction in Lagos State will be commissioned in the first quarter of 2024.
The Special Assistant to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sports, Mr. Damilare Orimoloye, gave the assurance in Ikeja on Saturday.
“I can boldly say that by the first quarter of 2024, we will have nothing less than five stadiums commissioned by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“The stadiums include the re-modelled Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, the Ifako-Ijaye, Agege, and Ikorodu Stadia, and the Gbagada Football Pitch.
“There is ongoing massive infrastructural development in the sports center, and come 2024, it will be an eventful year for sports and sporting activities in Lagos State.
“We want to expand sporting activities to all parts of Lagos State, so it won’t be limited to Lagos Island alone at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, formerly Onikan Stadium,’’ he said.
The Teslim Balogun Stadium was shut for re-modelling in 2021.
Part of the re-modelling is to make the spectators' stands all-covered and to re-grass the football pitch.
“Now that we have more stadiums opened in all corners of Lagos State, our teeming youths will have places close to them to explore and showcase their talents.
“We understand the importance of sports and the provision of relevant infrastructure in engaging our youths and encouraging them to shun vices,’’ Orimoloye, a board member of the Lagos State Football Association, said.
Speaking in the same vein, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Oluwatoyin Gafaar, said the re-modelled Teslim Balogun Stadium would set a new standard in sports infrastructure in Nigeria.
“Teslim Balogun Stadium re-modelling is almost done; four other stadiums will be ready by the first quarter of 2024.
“The roadmap is to have sports facilities in all parts of Lagos State and to expand sports activities.
“The youths, in general, are our target; we need to locate recreational and sporting facilities close to them,’’ he added.
Gafaar also mentioned that the Teslim Balogun Stadium re-modelling would surpass all expectations as some features had been added to meet international standards.
“Upon completion, Teslim Balogun Stadium will be the home of the Super Eagles of Nigeria because it is made of natural grass and some other modifications.
“At the end of the day, Lagosians will see a near-brand-new stadium ready for use; an epicenter of sports activities and an international arena,’’ Gafaar stressed.
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