Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday said the state government would ensure that the dilapidated National Stadium is turned into an enduring world class facility rather than a waste.
Ambode stated this when he spoke with journalists after a joint inspection tour of the stadium, purportedly abandoned about 11 years ago, with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung.
The concession bid for the National Stadium was first muted when Ambode paid a condolence visit to Dalung in Abuja on February 18.
Ambode riding on the crest of the Federal Government’s decision to concession some of the national stadia to the resident state governments, asked for a stake by the state government.
The federal government had already given the nod to the Kaduna State Government to manage the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and gave the same approval to Enugu State and Cross River Governments.
Ambode said if the concession could pull through, the state government would ensure that the stadium is given a facelift.
“I will like to bring the National Stadium back to life. The last time a game was played here was in 2005.
“If this project pulls through, it will bring about the employment aspect of football and hosting of matches to the stadium.
“We want to bring back the football culture of Lagos State to the National Stadium after its renovation,’’ the governor said.
NAN
