Sports
LAGOS NATIONAL STADIUM FINALLY WEARS NEW LOOK FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF REHABILITATION WORK ON DECAYED FACILITIES
One of Nigeria’s iconic Sporting Facilities the National stadium in Surulere Lagos is finally returning back to its glory days with the completion of rehabilitation work on its decayed facilities.
The Lagos stadium has been abandoned for so many years before the immediate past Minister for Youth and Sports Sunday Dare took it upon himself to ensure the revival of the edifice that was once Nigeria’s home of Sporting Glory.
Months after leaving office, Dare can be proud after ensuring that the job he started when he was at the helms has now been completed.
The National Stadium surelere can now boast of a world class football pitch and tracks with a functional scoreboard.
The level of damage of the Lagos stadium was so huge that previous Sports Ministers only made promises but was never able to do anything to give the facilities a facelift.
But Dare’s Adopt a facility initiative was a public private model which was able to deliver some critical sporting infrastructure across the country.
In the case of National Stadium Surulere, Dare was able to parent with Sir Adebutu Keshington, the founder of Premier Lotto to renovate 3 critical components of the Surulere stadium in Lagos.
The success of a similar partnership was achieved with the Dangote Group under Dare and it delivered critical renovations at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.
When some negative stories were reported in the media in April about the Lagos stadium, Dare maintained that work might be slow but it will completed as promised.
In 2019, Dare embarked on an inspection tour of the Lagos stadium alongside the Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu and gave his assurances to revamp the stadium and today he has put to action those promises.
Built in 1961, the stadium hosted the 1963 All Africa Games and in 1980 Nigeria lifted their first Africa cup of Nations title at the same stadium.
2004 was the last time the stadium hosted a football tournament but with the latest rehabilitation, sports fans can now look forward to a return of Sporting activities in Surelere.
Sports
Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board
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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