Sports

Surulere National Stadium Hits Final Reconstruction Stage

Published

4 years ago

May 19, 2021

The Dream of our National Teams to play either in Surulere National Stadium or Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja is gradually coming to reality as work ongoing in the Surulere National Stadium is in it final stage.

According to report from the Engineers on site, “we are on the final stage of construction as I speak to you presently, we are planting the grass presently to ensure that before the end of June/July, the National team can play international matches in this stadia, there’s no better way to thank the Sports Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare, he has been on our neck with proper monitoring and giving us target telling us why the stadium must be ready in due time.”

Expressing his appreciation, the Engineer said “I want to salute his doggedness, his burning enthusiasm and his tenacity for ensuring that all hands are on decks at the stadia under renovation. Anytime he puts a call across you’ll obviously see his passion to get the stadia in good shape and his passion is rare.”

“He has really done absolutely well, I can recall him saying anything needed outside the budget should be made known to him as he is committed to go extra miles to get it, hence, this tells you someone who’s passionate about his job and wants it ready in time” The Engineer on the site concluded.

The Planting of the Hybrid Bermuda grass at the National Stadium Surulere Lagos is the final stage of the pitch reconstruction

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

1 hour ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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