The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it would develop sports facilities in the state in order to host international competitions.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr Kweku Tandoh, stated this in Ikeja at the Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration.
He said the governor had approved the comprehensive renovation and rehabilitation of some selected stadia, employment of 40 coaches and payment of training grants for athletes.
He said, “Governor Ambode has already given approval for the comprehensive renovation of Campos Mini Stadium on Lagos Island; Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere; Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba; Isheri Football Field/Swimming Pool, and Ijede Mini Stadium, Ikorodu.”
He said in the last one year, the state government awarded contracts for the transformation of Onikan Stadium into an “all-covered ultra-modern international stadium with FIFA certified artificial turf and multipurpose arena for entertainment concerts with the capacity to accommodate 10,000 people.”
“Preliminary work has already commenced on the construction of Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle,” he added.
Tandoh further stated that Ambode had approved the proposal for the development of a four-year ‘Strategic Sports Development Plan,’ which would include the development of a strategy plan, staff capability assessment and performance management framework development.
On National Stadium, Surelere, the sports commission boss said the state would start a fresh move to get the facility by next week.
He said, “I have received a directive from the governor to proceed to Abuja next week to deliver some communications that are necessary to put in place a formal handover of the National Stadium to the Lagos State Government.
“We are grateful that this time they will give it to us on the terms that the Lagos State Government has requested.