A whopping N2.06 billion is set to be spent on the renovation of the Ilorin indoor sports hall in the Kwara State capital, transforming it into a state-of-the-art sports facility.
Speaking to sports journalists affiliated with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, in Ilorin on Wednesday, Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Bolaji Magaji, revealed this information.
Magaji highlighted the years of neglect the indoor sports hall faced under previous administrations, attributing this neglect to its current dilapidated state.
The chairman expressed Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s commitment to restoring the stadium to its former glory, noting that the renovation project is slated for completion within 12 months.
In addition, he mentioned the government’s intention to expand the stadium’s capacity to host up to 25 different sports upon completion.
“The hall’s previous lack of maintenance even led to reptiles attacking some of our athletes. However, following the renovation, it will be vastly improved with numerous innovative additions,” Magaji stated.
He emphasized that the revamped facility would evolve into a hub for tourism, hosting both local and international tournaments.
“The renovations will not only benefit sports but also spur increased sales for business outlets and offices within the stadium premises. Moreover, hotels in the state capital and surrounding areas will experience heightened patronage as athletes converge in the state for sports events held within the hall,” he elaborated.
Magaji also guaranteed that both state and national sports festivals would be held in the renovated sports hall, underscoring the state government’s commitment to using sports as a tool for youth empowerment.
He clarified, “Our sports development focus is on steering youths away from societal vices such as drug abuse, thuggery, and hooliganism. Our goal is to imbibe them with social values that will be beneficial to both the state and themselves.”