The Ogun State government has commenced reconstruction and renovation of sport facilities as it prepares to host the National Sports Festival tagged ‘Gateway Games 2024’, Afrosport reports.
The MKO Abiola stadium and Alake Sports Centre, both in Abeokuta, are currently undergoing refurbishment simultaneously.
The state’s Commissioner for Sports Development Wasiu Isiaka who inspected both venues assured that the facelift will be completed on time for the multi-sports event.
While explaining new facilities that will be built inside the MKO Abiola Stadium, the commissioner said: “There will be a swimming pool, there will be Tennis Courts, there will be handball courts as well. The tartan tracks will be changed as well, as you can see it is presently being removed because we want to put a new one there.
“The seating arena as well, especially the VIP section, it is going to be increased, the swimming pool will be at the back of football pitch.”
Wasiu Isiaka added: “The intention of His Excellency [Governor Dapo Abiodun] is that we are planning beyond the National Sports Festival, the creation of a full fledged ministry to be in charge of sports means the government is intentional about developing sports, we are taking it the the grassroots where we can discover talents, and by the time we discover talents, we need the facilities to nurture them.”
He highlighted the importance of harnessing the potential of youths and channeling their energy into productive ventures for their personal success and the socio-economic gains of the state, reiterating the government’s commitment to organising a world-class Gateway Games.
The National Sports Festival is scheduled for January 12 and 16, 2025.
