Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has approved the rehabilitation of the 5,000-capacity Onikan Stadium on Lagos Island.
This is aimed at ensuring that the stadium, which was built in 1930 meets the expectations of a 21st Century Sports facility, a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, said.
The reconstruction of the stadium, according to Mr Ayorinde, is in in line with the vision of the present administration to transform the facility and other infrastructure within the locality into a tourism hub and make the stadium available for various sporting activities, especially football.
“The upgrading of the stadium will rekindle the interest of football fans in local league, as well as promote sports tourism, take sports to greater heights and encourage youth activities,” he said.
In upgrading the facility, the turf, pitch, underground drainage and artificial pitch base will be removed and replaced.
Also, work would bedone on external and internal walls, electrical and mechanical installations; paved driveways, perimeter fence; borehole and water reticulation as well as external electricity lighting and landscaping.
“The Governor realised that the stadium in its present state could not inspire any sense of pride in Lagosians, especially our youths, and falls short of the expectations of a state that has always led the rest of the country in sporting activities,” Ayorinde said.
When completed, he said the stadium would complement the adjoining JK Randle Arts Centre, the proposed Lagos Museum, the Lagos History Centre as well as the Lagos Heritage Centre which are all tourism-inspired projects.
“Governor Ambode is passionate about sports development in the state, from the grassroots to the world stage and he is excited that the reconstruction will rekindle the love for local football league that is synonymous with the stadium and Lagos Island,” Ayorinde added.
