Speaking during an interactive session with Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at its secretariat in National Stadium, Surulere on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu decried the dilapidated state of the sports city.
The dearth of recreation centres and the dilapidated state of the National Stadium, a Federal Government-owned sport facility, were the focus of an interactive discussion with SWAN members, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate pledging to revive obsolete facilities in the National Stadium, on the condition that the Federal Government would agree with his plan to revive the national monument.
Built 45 years ago, the National Stadium in Lagos is now in a sorry state and national embarrassment due to neglect. It was last used for major competition in 2004.
The edifice had in its glorious days hosted major tournaments and international competitions such as the 2000 African Cup of Nations final, FIFA World Cup qualifying matches and also served as the main arena for the 1973 All-Africa Games.
Sanwo-Olu, at the interactive session, however, promised to revisit the take over bid with more vigour, adding that a state with a population of about 20 million people deserved such edifice for proper use.
Sanwo olu noted that “I dont know what is wrong with us in this country, why should a Director or Permanent Secretary that the President directed to look into the concession bid did not see the good in the project”.
He further said that “a project meant for about 20 million people that live in Lagos was sat upon while the facility continued to rot. Lagos State, I understand, wrote the bids, pleading for the take over bid that will benefit its citizens and to put it into good use”.
“I have discussed with the Chairman on the next line of action which is to intensify efforts, and maybe we will have to go through the legislative arm of government since we have the majority leader in the House of Representatives from the state”.
“The Federal government should grant us access to the biggest sporting facility in the country which has been locked down and we will put it to use if we are elected, and I hope same situation will apply at the centre” he concluded.
Sanwo-Olu also pledged to build a mini Stadium in Ikorodu and Somolu axis if elected.
Appreciating the APC candidate and his running mate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for creating time to attend the forum, the Chairman of SWAN in Lagos State, Mr Debo Oshudun pledged the support of the association to Sanwo-Olu if elected and commitment to support the state government in developing sports in the state.
“Lagos has always been a centre of excellence in sports development and production of talents in various sports in Nigeria. Some of our footballers and athletes who later became national and international icons were discovered in Lagos, Sports are very important to national development and promoting the right image for a country and state. Lagos should commit and invest in grassroots sports development so we can have new Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Mary Onyali, Segun Odegbami among others,” he said.