Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Pitch Rehabilitation Begins

Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Pitch Rehabilitation Begins

...As Sports Ministry Intensifies Infrastructure Development Drive

Ibraheem Lateef Ayodele

The Infrastructure upgrade drive of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development struck its fourth gear as rehabilitation work resumed at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.

The facility which was one time rated amongst the best in Africa has suffered years of abandonment but is now undergoing rehabilitation under the adopted initiative of Minister Sunday Dare. 

Dare, upon assumption of office, stated that his administration will extend its focus to revamping major sporting facilities around the country. 

The Obafemi Awolowo Stadium is now the fourth sports facility to get a face-lift after the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Daura Township Stadium, Katsina and the National Stadium, Surulere. 

The Minister said, "Infrastructure is key in sports growth and development. I had a clear vision when I assumed office to rehabilitate some of these facilities. The welfare of athletes has also remained a top priority for me, that is we introduced the Adopt-an-Athlete and Adopt-a-Pitch initiatives."

The Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja has gone on to host every Nigerian national team at all cadres, both male and female, while also hosting national and international club football games.

The Daura Township Stadium is also serving the people of Katsina state and beyond while the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos is having its tracks laid after the pitch was revived and a new electronic scoreboard installed.