By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

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Residents of Ondo city have called on the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to urgently address the deteriorating condition of the Ondo Township Stadium.

In separate interviews with The Hope, they noted that the stadium had once hosted both local and international friendly games.

President of Ekimogun Youths Connect, Lucaskakaki Famakinwa, said, “I’m not sure there is any city stadium in the whole world that looks like this. I saw the stadium this morning and had to cover my face in shame.

“For years, sports enthusiasts and community development advocates have raised the alarm over the poor state of our stadium. Some months ago, we heard that the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) volunteered to rehabilitate it. Later, we heard the government planned to do something about it.

“Then, there were reports that a popular Ondo politician, who was once a boxer, planned to renovate the stadium. But none of these efforts have yielded results. The state of this facility remains an eyesore for us as Ekimogun descendants.

“Now, we must act. The fact that our leaders and forefathers built one of the oldest schools in Nigeria—Ondo Boys’ High School—the General Hospital, the Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre, the great Eki FM, and many others is proof that we can also build a sports complex to the glory of God and for the benefit of humanity.”

Another resident, Shola Williams, said the community should take the initiative to develop the stadium to engage youths in sports and reduce crime.

“It is better for Ekimoguns to rehabilitate the stadium themselves and leave the government out of it. We should come together as a united force and make it a community development project.

“Private individuals are also welcome. Like they say, the government cannot do everything. Great players have played on this field, so it must not be abandoned,” he said.

According to a local footballer, Adeyeju Johnson, who hopes to become a professional someday, “The stands, which could have provided shelter, have no roof. The roofing sheets that were recently installed were blown off by a heavy rainstorm.

“This stadium has supported local football teams in this town. We train and host competitions here, inviting teams from other local governments for friendly matches.”

He recalled that although the state government had recently intervened to give the stadium a facelift, the renovation was only superficial, and the facility still lacks many basic amenities.

“During league matches held in the afternoon around 1 p.m., supporters rarely attend because of the scorching sun—there’s no shade to take cover under.”

He urged the government to build lasting structures such as stands and provide seating for spectators.

The Hope reported that the Ondo Township Stadium, built in 1976, has long served as a breeding ground for athletes in the ancient town.

Findings show that despite the previous renovation efforts, the 10,000-capacity stadium still lacks essential facilities. For example, it has no electricity, toilets for athletes, water supply, floodlights, seating for spectators, operational offices, or kitchen.

A tennis player, Lucky Emmanuel, lamented how the poor quality of the renovation has affected their sports activities.

“When it rains, fans run away. No one wants to get drenched, and there’s nowhere to take shelter. The roofed stand has collapsed, and even the football pitch has become a swamp,” he said.

An athlete, Oyinkansola Miracle, said that apart from enabling her participation in boxing and track events outside the state, the stadium also provided the platform where she won awards during the annual Eki Day Boxing competition. She called on the state government to carry out a complete renovation to help develop more sporting talents.

Similarly, a local referee, Godspower Dorcas, told The Hope that the stadium had helped improve her officiating skills. She described the lack of toilet facilities as “inconvenient” and urged the government to intervene.