Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, at the weekend went on tour of the National Stadium in Lagos State and promised to renovate its facilities soon, Completesports.com reports.
Dare who was sworn in by President Muhammadu Buhari last month embarked on an inspection tour of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja a few days after his appointment.
The minister kept to his words to go around the nation on facilities inspection by visiting the National Stadium Lagos which is in deplorable state.
Speaking during the inspection tour, Dare who was accompanied by the Chairman Nigeria Women League, Aisha Falode and other directors in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development said there was renewed political will to revamp the stadium.
“I understand that soccer is loved by most Nigerians, but as a Minister for Youth and Sports Development, other sports will also get adequate attention,” Dare said.
“There is renewed political will to ensure that Nigeria’s sporting infrastructure are not left to rot away as they will be revamped and fully maximized.
“My visit will not be routine. Football will not suffer and other sports will get adequate attention too,” Dare said adding that the Ministry will focus on facility maintenance, upgrade and management.
The National Stadium Lagos which was built in 1972 and has hosted major sporting events like the 1973 All Africa Games and 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship has turned to a party ground in recent years.
By Sulaiman Alao
