Adebutu Kessington To Renovate National Stadium Lagos

Adebutu Kessington To Renovate National Stadium Lagos

By Admin

Report has it that Adebutu Kessington popularly known as Baba Ijebu has promised to renovate the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos.

Adebutu made the pledge at The Adopt Campaign for sports in Nigeria held Monday at the Civic Centre in Lagos, at the instance of the Ministry of Youth of Youth and Sports Development.

His promise was a major highlight of the event attended by ex athletes and several notable personalities from other walks of life.

There had been several futile attempts to renovate the multi-purpose edifice that currently serves as home to urchins and rodents while the once hallowed main bowl serves as a venue for parties and religious activities.

Formerly a Mecca of some sort to sports men and women across Africa, the stadium comprises an Olympic-size swimming arena and a multipurpose arena used for basketball, volleyball, table tennis, wrestling and boxing matches.

It was used mostly for football matches until 2001. It hosted several international competitions including the 1980 African Cup of Nations final, the 2000 African Cup of Nations final, and FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

It also served as the main stadium for the 1973 All-Africa Games. It was closed and abandoned in the year 2004.

The facility has inexplicably been left to dilapidate since 2002 and last hosted a national team game in 2004.

The Adoption Campaign has three components. To adopt a home-based Athlete is $10,000 and to adopt a foreign-based athlete is $20,000.

All proceeds will go to the athletes, pay their coaches, the therapist and other necessary things.