The largest stadium in Ogun State, the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta will soon be wearing a new look ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged ‘2024 Gateway Games’.
This piece of cheering news was made public by the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Isiaka Wasiu on Wednesday in an interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG in Abeokuta.
Honourable Wasiu explained that work has started already at the stadium, and it will be completed before the commencement of the Sports Festival in January.
“We are installing a brand new ultra-modern tartan track, we will also re-grass the stadium as well as construct a standard Olympic size swimming pool, coupled with the construction of new tennis courts and handball pitches,” the Commissioner said.
He stated that the State Government is ticking the right boxes in order to deliver a world class event come January.
“Ejeja Sports Complex is equally receiving attention. We are giving the basketball courts in Ejeja a complete make over, the table-tennis hall is undergoing renovation as well as other facilities in the Complex,” he added.
Honourable Isiaka Wasiu stated that the administration of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun wants to make Ogun State the choice destination for Sports Tourism. “Besides upgrading these sporting facilities at the MKO Abiola Stadium, will hope to construction hostels for athletes in the stadium.”
“At the end of the upgrading of the MKO Abiola Stadium, it will be ready to host not just local and international football matches, but it will be used for major swimming, tennis and handball Championships to mention but just a few.”
We gathered that the State Government wants other African countries and states of the Federation to use the new facilities for a fee.
“These new facilities will be handled by top management sports firms that will generate funds for the government and it will outlive this administration. It’s a long-term project that will help grow the sporting economy of the State,” Wasiu emphasized.
The 10,000 capacity MKO Abiola stadium was commissioned in November 1988, and it has played host to the CAF Women African Nations Cup finals, the Senior West African Football Union Championship and it hosted the state-owned and private football clubs, including the Gateway Football Club and Abiola Babes International Football club among other notable competitions.
“The National Sports Festival is not about football or sports alone, we are fusing it with culture, fashion and tourism, and you know that Ogun State is blessed in these areas. We shall showcase these areas during the 22nd National Sports Festival.”
Other sports facilities across Ogun State will also be upgraded before the start of the Festival, the Commissioner stressed.
On the readiness of the State to host and compete at the National Sports Festival, Honourable Isiaka Wasiu had this to say; “I can assure you that the State will be fully ready for the festival in the area of facilities and hosting a hitch-free event as well as our participation.”
“We are developing home grown talents and the last National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State is an indication of what to expect from Ogun State at the Festival in January. The best shooter and wrestler at the Youth Games were from Ogun State and that’s the goal, to produce top athletes who will not only rule the festival but also bring glory to Nigeria.”
