Sanwo-Olu affirms Lagos’ readiness to host maiden National Intermediate Sports Festival
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday declared the state ready to host the maiden National Intermediate Sports Festival, assuring that ongoing rehabilitation and upgrading of sporting facilities would be completed ahead of the October 1-15 competition.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance after inspecting sporting facilities at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, saying the state had about 60 days to put finishing touches to the facilities and ensure they met international standards.
According to him, the National Sports Commission selected Lagos to host the inaugural festival about two months ago, prompting the state government to intensify efforts to upgrade its sporting infrastructure.
He said the competition would provide an opportunity to strengthen grassroots sports development and discover young talents who could contribute to the country’s sporting future, adding that about 14,000 to 15,000 athletes from across the country were expected to participate.
Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu said several sporting facilities across Lagos would be used for the games, noting that the state had embarked on a strategic rehabilitation programme covering about 10 stadia in Surulere, Ifako, Badagry, Epe, Agege and Ikorodu, among other locations.
At the Teslim Balogun Stadium, the governor inspected the main football and athletics arena, indoor sports facilities, volleyball court and swimming pool, saying the football pitch was being upgraded to FIFA standards and the indoor sports hall was undergoing extensive renovation.
However, Sanwo-Olu identified the swimming pool at the stadium as an area requiring urgent attention, assuring that it would be upgraded for the games while noting that the Olympic-sized pool at the Rowe Park Sports Centre was also available for the competition.
Meanwhile, the governor expressed satisfaction with the pace of work at the stadium, commended the contractors for remaining on site and working toward the deadline, and urged stakeholders and the media to support Lagos as it prepares to host what he described as one of the country’s best sporting competitions.
