The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed optimism over the ongoing development and rehabilitation of sports infrastructure across Nigeria, describing the trend as a sign of renewed commitment to sports development.
Olopade said the Federal Government and state governments were working to restore existing sports facilities and construct new ones to support athletes, communities and the growth of the sports industry.
The NSC boss, who spoke on the development, cited recent projects in Kaduna, Bayelsa and Delta states as evidence of the growing momentum in sports infrastructure development.
“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 commended the Bayelsa State Government under Governor Douye Diri for its efforts, adding that Delta State was also contributing to the emerging revival of sports infrastructure.
Olopade disclosed that the NSC had awarded contracts for the development of sporting facilities at university campuses, in neighbourhoods and at national stadiums.
“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, the NSC DG said the commission had awarded a contract for the construction of a training pitch at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, adding that the project would complement existing facilities at the complex.
He also disclosed that rehabilitation work had commenced at the Muda Lawal Stadium, with the aim of transforming the historic facility into a modern 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 investment in sports infrastructure would provide more than venues for competitions, noting that modern facilities were essential for athlete development, community engagement, youth empowerment and economic growth.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the sports sector, saying Federal Government support had enabled the commission to pursue initiatives aimed at 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.
Olopade expressed optimism that the ongoing projects would improve the sporting landscape across the country, provide athletes with better training and competition facilities, and create opportunities for young Nigerians to pursue careers in sports.
He said the nationwide infrastructure revival would help reposition sports as a catalyst for sporting excellence, youth development and economic growth.