Sports
Surulere Stadium Returning To Its Lost Glory As Contractor Completes Tartan Track, Scoreboard Others
Joel Ajayi
The National Stadium, Surulere a sporting arena in the Center Of Excellence Lagos has no hope of returning to its lost glory, as a result of years of deplorable state, decaying, neglected, and completely abandoned for over two decades.
Several administrations vowed to renovate the edifice, but the more they pledged to do this, the more the decay continued. Until the coming of Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare with a vision for infrastructural restoration in the country.
A glance at the edifice showed that, after lying 20 years of rotting, the National Stadium Surulere is back to life courtesy of the effort of Former Sports Minister Sunday Dare.
Like him or hate him, the story of infrastructure development of sports in Nigeria can’t be complete without the impact of the Former Minister who took advantage Of private-public partnership PPP initiatives to bring some of the dying stadiums alive after some years of neglect.
He promised to turn around the deteriorating sporting facilities across the country.
Another Stadium that came alive under his watch was Moshood Abiola National Stadium now in good shape to host any international matches courtesy of Aliko Dangote.
The Abuja stadium has undergone rehabilitation with re-grassing of the main pitch, replacement of the scoreboard, and vandalized cables, which ensures the facility is well-lit at night to enhance security, all made possible due to the intervention and collaboration with the Dangote Group.
The Gleamer News equally gathered that, very soon stakeholders, sports lovers, athletes players once again will enjoy another Abandoned but restored 51-year-old stadium Surulere National Stadium that just returned to its pride and dignity.
Built in 1972 by the regime of General Yakubu Gowon, the sports arena hosted the 1973 African Games, as Nigeria emerged champions for the first time, before it hosted the 1980 AFCON, with the men’s football national team, then known as the Green Eagles, ruling Africa for the first time ever as well.
When immediate past Sports Minister Sunday Dare visited the stadium three years ago, he promised to renovate the stadium, using his adopt-a-stadium initiative, with billionaire businessman Adebutu Kessington taking over the renovation of the main bowl and football scoreboard of the stadium.
It was like the usual promise by the past administrator but renovation works began bulldozers rolled into the stadium with illegal shops demolished, and the owners, in their hundreds, were sent packing.
Today, The Gleamer News can authoritatively report that the National Stadium, Surulere glory is returned as the Contractor Completes Tartan Track and Scoreboard.
Now, more than ever, this project has resonated in the in Lago city center and It will immediately become a beautiful source of pride for the Nigerians and a destination for sporting activities.
Sports
Ibadan Marathon Will Drive Business Growth, Foster Community Spirit, Spotlight Local Talents-Gov Makinde
Joel Ajayi
Oyo State Governor, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, has emphasized that the Ibadan Marathon will boost local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen community bonds.
He made this statement during a world press conference in Ibadan, where he was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wosilat Adegoke.
“This initiative not only promotes health and fitness but also supports our local economy while showcasing the beauty of our vibrant city,” he remarked. “The Ibadan Marathon is an opportunity for runners, families, and spectators to unite in celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. Through this event, we demonstrate our commitment to public health, active lifestyles, and progress.”
The governor further highlighted the marathon’s role in promoting Ibadan’s cultural heritage, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, and spurring economic growth.
Savvy Events Limited CEO, Miss Arinola Idowu, and franchise owner of the Ibadan Marathon, shared that the 2024 event is designed to celebrate the city’s unity, strength, and rich history, with the theme ‘ERE IDARAYA.’ She emphasized that the event aims to support small businesses, engage youth, and elevate the city’s brand.
The Ibadan Marathon is a joint initiative between the Oyo State Government and Savvy Events to position Oyo State as a hub for sports, commerce, and entertainment, in line with the governor’s agenda for infrastructural development and youth empowerment.
This maiden edition will feature a 42.195km race and a 10km fun run. The routes have been certified by GRADE A measurer Norrie Williamson and World Athletics, offering an exciting journey through Ibadan’s iconic landmarks. Both races will conclude at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, on Saturday, November 2, starting at 7 am for the marathon and 10 am for the fun run.
Registration is now open at www.ibadanmarathon.com for both the 42.195km full marathon and the 10km fun run.
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