By Aderonke Ojo
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed delight at the growing revival of sports infrastructure across Nigeria, describing the developments as a clear indication of a new era for sports development in the country.
Hon. Olopade highlighted the noticeable resurgence in the development and rehabilitation of sports facilities across different parts of the country, with states and the Federal Government working to restore existing infrastructure while creating new facilities for athletes and communities.
Speaking on the development, the NSC DG highlighted recent progress in Kaduna, Bayelsa and Warri, among other locations, as evidence of the momentum gathering across the country.
“A few days ago, I was in Kaduna, and what the Kaduna State Government is doing with the Ahmadu Bello Stadium that was concessioned to them is gobsmacking. It’s amazing,” he said.
He also acknowledged the developments taking place in Bayelsa State under Governor Douye Diri, while noting that Delta State is equally playing its part in the emerging sports infrastructure revival.
According to Hon. Olopade, the National Sports Commission is complementing these efforts through a broad programme of facility development covering national stadiums, university campuses and neighbourhood sporting facilities.
“At the National Sports Commission, we have given out contracts for facilities on campuses, in neighbourhoods, and, of course, at national stadiums. In the next few weeks, everywhere will be busy,” he stated.
In Ogun State, Hon. Olopade disclosed that the NSC has awarded a contract for the development of a training pitch at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, which will complement the existing facilities at the complex.
He also revealed that rehabilitation work has commenced at the Muda Lawal Stadium, with the project aimed at transforming the historic facility into a modern 21st-century sporting venue.
“At the Muda Lawal Stadium, they have started work. Work has commenced on revamping the old Muda Lawal Stadium to bring it back to a 21st-century stadium,” Olopade said.
The NSC DG said the renewed focus on sports infrastructure goes beyond providing venues for competitions, stressing that modern facilities are essential to athlete development, community engagement, youth empowerment and the creation of economic opportunities.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the sports sector, noting that the Federal Government’s support has enabled the NSC to pursue initiatives that are creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has committed himself to sports, and he is doing an amazing job. In reality, we have used sports, from the NSC point of view, to create employment for thousands of young people,” he said.
Hon. Olopade expressed optimism that the ongoing projects would significantly improve the sporting landscape across Nigeria, providing athletes with better facilities while opening new opportunities for young people to participate in and build careers through sports.
He noted that the emerging nationwide revival represents an important step towards repositioning sports infrastructure as a catalyst for sporting excellence, youth development and economic growth.
