The Lagos State Government has renewed its bid to take over the National Stadium, Lagos, our correspondent has learnt.
In March last year, Sports Minister Solomon Dalung and Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode inspected the stadium, which has been in a sorry state for close to two decades, with the state government declaring its interest in taking over the edifice.
The governor, who promised that the state government would make the stadium world-class, said the facility would help create employment for youths in the state.
But 10 months later, the stadium’s deterioration continues with the state and the Federal Government yet to reach an agreement over the edifice’s concession.
It was learnt that the state government decided to renew its interest in the stadium because of the Federal Government’s plans to give the stadium out as a concession.
Deji Tinubu, Special Adviser on Sports to the Lagos State Governor, who confirmed that the state government was still interested in taking over the stadium, believed the deal would go through.
He said, “We are still waiting for a positive response. We didn’t think it was going to be easy but what I know is that we’ve got a template and an honest proposal. Contrary to what some people think, we are doing it for Nigeria. It’s an honest proposal for the country, for us to take Nigeria as a sporting nation to the next level.”
Tinubu added that Ambode had plans to return the stadium, which once hosted high-profile events like the All Africa Games and the Africa Cup of Nations, to its rightful place, if Lagos was given the go-ahead to take over the arena.
He added, “We’ve got an offer on the table, nobody will doubt Ambode in the last two years. The place is nicknamed Sports City but now we only see sports, but can’t see the city. We want to create the city. So, if he (Ambode) says he wants to transform the stadium, I don’t think there should be any Nigerian who should begrudge him.”
The former Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission said some stadiums in the state would be renovated, as the state begins plans to run its own league.
“One thing Lagos is doing is to create an enabling environment where sports would thrive. Onikan Stadium is being renovated. This year, sports facilities in Badagry, Maracana, Ikorodu and Epe will also have standard facilities. This will allow people form their clubs, form their leagues, knowing they’ve got the facilities. In fact, the governor has mandated that before the end of 2018, Lagos must have its own league,” Tinubu stated.
“Imagine on a Saturday when MFM play; if that is replicated in five areas across the state, it’s something everyone would look forward to. Imagine the job opportunities this will bring, so it will bring a new dimension to sports in the state.”
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