Renovation of the indoor sports hall at the Kwara State Stadium is set to commence, with a budget of N2.06bn allocated to transform it into a modern sports facility.
Originally built in 1977 during Brigadier-General Agbazika Innih’s administration, the sports hall has suffered from neglect in previous administrations, resulting in its deterioration.
Speaking to sports journalists in Ilorin, the chairman of the state’s sports commission, Bola Magaji, emphasized Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s commitment to restoring the stadium to its former glory, with the renovation project expected to be completed within 12 months.
Magaji highlighted the transformations planned for the sports hall, envisioning it as a hub for tourism and hosting local and international tournaments once fully refurbished. This, he believes, will boost sales for businesses within the stadium, attract more guests to hotels in the state capital and its environs, and create new opportunities for athletes.
The overarching goal of the state government’s sports development agenda, according to Magaji, is to steer young people away from negative influences like drug use and hooliganism, fostering a more productive and responsible citizenry.