Sports Infrastructure Revival Sweeps Across Nigeria — NSC DG Olopade
Oru Leonard
Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed optimism over the growing revival of sports infrastructure across Nigeria, describing the development as evidence of a new era in the country’s sports sector.
Olopade said states and the Federal Government are increasingly investing in the rehabilitation of existing sporting facilities and the construction of new ones to support athletes, communities and the wider sports economy.
The NSC DG cited recent developments in Kaduna, Bayelsa and Delta states as examples of the momentum building across the country.
Speaking on the developments, Olopade expressed particular satisfaction with the transformation taking place at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, which was concessioned to the Kaduna State Government.
“A few days ago, I was in Kaduna, and what the Kaduna State Government is doing with the Ahmadu Bello Stadium that was concessioned to them is gobsmacking. It’s amazing,” he said.
He also commended the Bayelsa State Government under Governor Douye Diri for its investments in sports infrastructure, while noting that Delta State was also contributing to the emerging nationwide revival.
According to Olopade, the NSC is complementing state-level initiatives through a broad programme covering national stadiums, university campuses and neighbourhood sporting facilities.
“At the National Sports Commission, we have given out contracts for facilities on campuses, in neighbourhoods, and, of course, at national stadiums. In the next few weeks, everywhere will be busy,” he stated.
In Ogun State, the NSC DG disclosed that the Commission has awarded a contract for the development of a training pitch at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
He further revealed that rehabilitation work has commenced at the historic Muda Lawal Stadium, with the objective of transforming the facility into a modern sporting venue.
“At the Muda Lawal Stadium, they have started work. Work has commenced on revamping the old Muda Lawal Stadium to bring it back to a 21st-century stadium,” Olopade said.
The NSC boss stressed that the renewed investment in sports infrastructure goes beyond providing venues for competitions, noting that modern facilities are critical to athlete development, youth empowerment, community engagement and job creation.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has committed himself to sports, and he is doing an amazing job. In reality, we have used sports, from the NSC point of view, to create employment for thousands of young people,” he said.
Olopade expressed optimism that the ongoing projects would substantially improve Nigeria’s sporting environment by providing athletes with better training and competition facilities while creating opportunities for young Nigerians to participate in sports and build sustainable careers.
He said the emerging nationwide infrastructure revival would help reposition sports as a catalyst for sporting excellence, youth development, employment and economic growth.
