Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has given the assurances that the Muhammadu Buhari -led federal government is determined to turn around infrastructural facilities at the first stadium in Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo Stadium complex, Ibadan popularly known as Liberty stadium, to enhance sports development in the country.
The stadium, originally named Liberty Stadium until 2010, is a historic football stadium with a capacity of 25,000 seats.
Opened in 1960 during the tenure of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was serving as the Premier of the Western Region at the time, the sports monument, sited at the Southern end of Ibadan was named Liberty Stadium in honor of Nigeria’s independence.
Unfortunately, the iconic stadium which has hosted several matches during the African Cup of Nations, the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship among others and produced biggest sports stars is now a shadow of itself ; and decreased in vivacity.
The monument, built with public funds by direct labour under the supervision of the regional Ministry of Works and Transport has suffered several neglect from various administrations. The first stadium in Nigeria is in deplorable state and currently on its knees begging for a total deliverance.
Sports Minister, Sunday Dare addressing SWEGOP at the Workshop
However, the Minister, who gave the assurance on Saturday in Ibadan while playing guest to the South West Group of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) at a two-day seminar for online media held at the Ilaji Hotel and Resorts, also disclosed that the government is set to revive the agelong stadium through Private Public Partnership (PPP).
While citing government efforts at National Stadium, Lagos and others, Dare unearthed that there is an ongoing plan to reach out to some Nigerians to invest in the infrastructural development of the stadium.
He further disclosed that the federal government, in addition to providing needed incentives to private investors, is currently developing a policy that will support value in sports investment.
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