The MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta will soon be wearing a new look ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged 2024 Gateway Games.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Isiaka Wasiu said on Wednesday in Abeokuta that work has started already at the stadium, and it will be completed before the commencement of the Sports Festival in January.
He said, “We are installing a brand new tartan track and we will also re-grass the stadium as well as construct a standard Olympic size swimming pool. This is coupled with the construction of new tennis courts and handball pitches.”
He said the state government is determined to deliver a world class event come January.
“Ejeja Sports Complex is equally receiving attention. We are giving the basketball courts in Ejeja a complete makeover, the table-tennis hall is undergoing renovation as well as other facilities in the Complex.”
Wasiu stated that the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun wants to make Ogun State the choice destination for sports tourism.
“Besides upgrading these sporting facilities at the MKO Abiola Stadium, we will construct hostels for athletes in the stadium.
“At the end of the upgrading of the MKO Abiola Stadium, it will be ready to host not just local and international football matches, but it will be used for major swimming, tennis and handball Championships to mention but just a few.
“These new facilities will be handled by top management sports firms that will generate funds for the government and it will outlive this administration. It’s a long-term project that will help grow the sporting economy of the State.”
The 10,000 capacity MKO Abiola stadium was commissioned in November 1988, and it has played host to the CAF Women African Nations Cup finals; the Senior West African Football Union Championship and it hosted the state-owned and private football clubs, including the Gateway Football Club and Abiola Babes among other notable competitions.
“The National Sports Festival is not about football or sports alone, we are fusing it with culture, fashion and tourism, and you know that Ogun State is blessed in these areas. We shall showcase these areas during the 22nd National Sports Festival.”
Other sports facilities across Ogun State will also be upgraded before the start of the Festival, the Commissioner stressed.
On the readiness of the State to host and compete at the National Sports Festival, the commissioner said, “I can assure you that the state will be fully ready for the festival in the area of facilities and hosting a hitch-free event as well as our participation.”
“We are developing home grown talents and the last National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State is an indication of what to expect from Ogun State at the Festival. The best shooter and wrestler at the Youth Games were from Ogun State and that’s the goal, to produce top athletes who will not only rule the festival but also bring glory to Nigeria.”
Extrasportnigeria 
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