Kwara Govt Spends ₦2bn on Renovation of Ilorin Indoor Sports Hall

Kwara Govt Spends ₦2bn on Renovation of Ilorin Indoor Sports Hall

By Admin 

The Kwara State Government has invested over ₦2 billion in the renovation of the Pa Gabriel Ladipo Indoor Sports Hall at the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin — a project described as the state’s largest single investment in sports infrastructure to date.

The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Bola Magaji, disclosed this during a media tour by members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council. The statement was also shared via the state government’s verified Facebook page.

 “This indoor sports hall alone has gulped over ₦2 billion,” Magaji said. “Not many sectors have enjoyed as much support as sports from His Excellency in the last six years.”

According to him, the George Innih Stadium now accommodates 32 different sporting activities within a single complex, making it one of the most versatile sporting facilities in the country.

 “You can’t compare it to the Lagos or Abuja stadiums. Even though Abuja has packages A and B, neither offers what we have here — everything is concentrated in one spot,” he added.

Magaji further revealed that the state government is also rehabilitating the Offa and Lafiagi stadia as part of efforts to extend sports development to other senatorial districts.

He attributed Kwara’s improved performance at the National Sports Festival — moving from 23rd to 5th position in recent years — to increased funding and incentives for athletes. Medalists now receive ₦1 million for gold, ₦500,000 for silver, and ₦300,000 for bronze.

“Some of our athletes who left before are now eager to return because the governor has transformed the face of sports in the state,” he said.

Students of the Kwara Football Academy (KFA) also commended the government for upgrading their hostels, dining, and clinic facilities.

 “I love football. I started playing at seven and chose KFA because it’s one of the best academies in Nigeria,” said Abdullahi Hassan, a student.

Another student, Saad Ahmad from Kano, added: “This is my sixth year here. They take good care of us. We have good staff, comfortable rooms, water, electricity, and medical care.”