"Nationwide sports facility revival signals new era for Nigerian sports" - Olopade
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has described the renewed development and rehabilitation of sports facilities across Nigeria as a significant indication of a new era for the country’s sports sector.
Olopade said the growing investment in sports infrastructure by the Federal Government and state administrations was gradually changing the landscape, with several states embarking on ambitious projects to revive dilapidated facilities and provide modern sporting venues for athletes and communities.
The NSC boss cited developments in Kaduna, Bayelsa and Warri as examples of the emerging momentum, particularly commending the Kaduna State Government for its work at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium following its concession.
“A few days ago, I was in Kaduna, and what the Kaduna State Government is doing with the Ahmadu Bello Stadium that was concessioned to them is gobsmacking. It’s amazing,” he said.
He also applauded the efforts of the Bayelsa State Government under Governor Douye Diri, while noting that Delta State was equally contributing to the renewed push for sports infrastructure development across the country.
According to Olopade, the NSC is complementing state-level initiatives with its own nationwide facility development programme covering national stadiums, university campuses and neighbourhood sporting centres.
“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, the NSC DG disclosed that a contract had been awarded for the construction of a training pitch at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, adding that rehabilitation work had also commenced at the historic Muda Lawal Stadium.
“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.
He stressed that the renewed investment in sports infrastructure was not merely about constructing venues for competitions, but also about creating an environment capable of supporting athlete development, youth empowerment, community participation and economic opportunities.
Olopade further credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the sports sector, saying the Federal Government’s backing had enabled the NSC to pursue initiatives aimed at creating jobs and 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.
The NSC DG expressed optimism that the ongoing projects would transform Nigeria’s sporting landscape, giving athletes access to better training and competition facilities while providing young Nigerians with greater opportunities to pursue careers in sports.
He maintained that the nationwide infrastructure revival could become a major catalyst for sporting excellence, youth development and economic growth if sustained through effective management and maintenance.
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