The re-modelled Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and four other stadia under re-construction in Lagos State would be inaugurated in the first quarter of 2024.

Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sports, Mr Damilare Orimoloye, gave the assurance in Ikeja on Saturday during an interview.

“I can boldly say that come the first quarter of 2024, we will be having nothing less than five stadiums that will be inaugurated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“The stadiums are the re-modelled Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, the Ifako-Ijaye, Agege, and Ikorodu Stadia and the Gbagada Football Pitch. There is on-going massive infrastructural development in the sports centre and come 2024, it will be an eventful year for sports and sporting activities in Lagos State.

“We want to expand the sporting activities to all parts of Lagos State so it won’t be on the Lagos Island alone at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena formerly Onikan Stadium,’’ he said.

The Teslim Balogun Stadium was shut for re-modelling in 2021.

Part of the re-modelling is to make the spectators stand all-covered and to re-grass the football pitch.

“Now that we have more stadia opened in all corners of Lagos State, our teeming youths will have places close to them to explore and showcase their talents. We understand the importance of sports and the provision of relevant infrastructure in engaging our youths and encouraging them to shun vices,’’ Mr Orimoloye, a board member of the Lagos State Football Association said.

Speaking in the same vein, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Oluwatoyin Gafaar, said the re-modelled Teslim Balogun Stadium would be a new standard in sports infrastructure in Nigeria.

“Teslim Balogun Stadium re-modelling is almost done; four other stadiums will be ready by the first quarter of 2024,’’ he said.

“The road map is to have sports facilities in all parts of Lagos State and to expand sports activities. The youth in general are our target; we need to locate recreational and sporting facilities close to them,’’ he added.

Mr Gafaar said also that the Teslim Balogun Stadium re-modelling would surpass expectations as some features had been added to make the facility to meet international standards.

“Upon completion, Teslim Balogun Stadium will be the home of the Super Eagles of Nigeria because it is made of natural grass and some other modifications. At the end of the day, Lagosians will see a near brand new stadium ready for use; an epicentre of sports activities and an international arena,’’ Mr Gafaar stated.

(NAN)