…Says new Stadium not abandoned

By Femi Atolagbe

The Ondo State Government has said it has not abandoned the construction of the new stadium situated in Akure, the state capital.

It is recalled that the late Governor Olusegun Agagu approved the construction of the new stadium more than a decade ago.

Aiyedatiwa spoke at the official handover of the renovation of the sports facility to Reform Sports West Africa at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

The renovation of the Akure stadium was approved by the highest decision-making body of the state, the State Executive Council (SEC), weeks ago.

He said the old stadium needed to be renovated, as well as those in Ondo, Ore, Okitipupa, and other parts of the state, to develop more talents at the grassroots.

The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said he would inspect the old stadium as soon as possible for an on-the-spot assessment of the facility.

Aiyedatiwa urged the contractor handling the project to deliver as expected, saying the current administration does not want the sports-loving people of the state to question them after they had handed over the renovation to the contractor.

He said: “I want you to resume work here next Monday. There is no room for wasting time; work must resume immediately. I will have to relocate my office to this place.”

“Your company is a reputable organization. We have been working with you since 2012 when you laid this same turf, and we have no doubt in our minds that you will deliver as expected.”

According to the governor, the renovation is expected to be completed before the beginning of the next football season.

The Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association and executive board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, Otunba Dele Ajayi, commended the Governor for his giant stride in approving the renovation of the stadium.

“As an executive board member of the NFF, I can assure the people of the state that with the renovation of the stadium, we are going to bring one of the Super Eagles matches to Ondo State.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Reform Sports West Africa, Mr. Michael Adamu, said his company will deliver a quality job and meet the agreed date of delivery.

He added that his company laid the turf of the pitch 14 years ago, and they will do a good job again.

“We are a lucky organization. Remember, immediately after we delivered in 2012, Sunshine Stars played on the continent. With God on our side, such an era will return after we have delivered again,” he prayed.

According to the Chief Technical officer, Arc John Ewule, areas to be renovated include the main pitch, basketball court, volleyball court, and handball courts.

“Also, the stadium car park will be converted to a multipurpose pitch that will house a hockey and football training pitch.”