By Femi Atolagbe

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The Convener of Ondo State Football Stakeholders Forum (OSFSF), Otunba Dele Ologbese, has commended the State Government over the approval of the upgrade of Akure Stadium.

Ologbese in a chat with Sporting Hope in Akure, the State capital, said the upgrade of the stadium will in no small measure, contribute to the development of sports in all ramifications in the state.

Ondo State government at its Executive Council Meeting had approved the renovations and upgrade of the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

The pioneer, Secretary of the Ondo state Football Agency (ODSFA), added that the upgrade of the stadium is long overdue, saying Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated that he’s truly a sports loving Governor

He added that the stadium renovations and upgrade will not improve football alone, but all other sports, adding that fields and track events, will soon return to the arena.

He said: “The upgrade and the renovation of the Akure sports stadium is long overdue and it’s in this respect that we commend the Governor for his approval to give it a face-lift after long years of abandonment.

“Our athletes who used to train at FUTA sports complex will return to the stadium for their training sessions and competitions, which will undoubtedly enhance the discovery of more talented athletes in the state.”

“I want to seize this opportunity to appeal to the State Government to ensure, that work commences at the stadium as soon possible”

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye at the post Executive Council’s briefings at the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, said the approval would end the numerous infrastructural challenges at the sports complex, saying the project will cost the state, the sum of Nine hundred and eighty million naira.

Yusuf-Ogunleye, who expressed delight over the new development, said the upgrade would affect the construction of new tartan tracks, renovations of volleyball, and basketball courts, among others.

He said the main bowl of the Akure sports complex would also witness upgrade to avoid constant clashes with the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL facilities inspections team.

The Commissioner appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his passion for sports developments in the state, stressing that such would help in the discovery and attracting raw talents.

Responding, the Ondo state commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Akinwunmi Sowore, said all logistics for the renovations of the facilities have been captured, and that work is expected to commence soon.