By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed optimism over the growing revival of sports infrastructure across Nigeria, describing the development as a sign of a new era in the country’s sports sector.
Olopade said the Federal Government and state governments were increasingly investing in the rehabilitation of existing sporting facilities and the development of new ones to support athletes, communities and youth development.
Speaking on the development, the NSC DG cited recent progress in Kaduna, Bayelsa and Delta states as evidence of the growing momentum in sports infrastructure development nationwide.
“A few days ago, I was in Kaduna, and saw what the Kaduna State Government is doing with the Ahmadu Bello Stadium that was concessioned. It’s amazing,” he said.
He also commended the Bayelsa State Government under Governor Douye Diri for its efforts, while noting that Delta State was also contributing to the emerging infrastructure revival.
Olopade said the NSC was complementing the efforts through a broad programme 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, he disclosed that the NSC had awarded a contract for the development of a training pitch at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta to complement existing facilities at the complex.
He added that rehabilitation work had also 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.
According to him, the renewed focus on sports infrastructure goes beyond providing venues for competitions, as modern facilities are critical to athlete development, community engagement, youth empowerment and the creation of economic opportunities.
The NSC DG also 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 by providing athletes with better facilities and creating new opportunities for young Nigerians to participate in sports and build careers.
He said the nationwide infrastructure revival would help reposition sports facilities as catalysts for sporting excellence, youth development and economic growth.
