Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has intensified moves towards the takeover of the National Stadium, Surulere, from the Federal Government.
It was learnt that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports and Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu, was in Abuja on Saturday on the directive of Ambode to meet with the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, to work out details of the stadium takeover.
The stadium has been abandoned by the Federal Government for years.
Tinubu, who confirmed his meeting with Dalung, said the state government was not happy with the sorry state of the stadium that hosted the 1973 All Africa Games, the 1999 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and several senior World Cup qualifiers.
He said, “Governor Ambode continues to relentlessly pursue his dream of a Lagos for all and a Lagos that works and sees the benefit of the use of sport and all it encompasses, hence the move to request the takeover of the stadium.
“Nigerians, especially Lagosians, have sadly witnessed the gradual decay of the National Stadium over the years since the Super Eagles’ matches were moved to Abuja.
“Until now, nobody seemed to care about what happened to the stadium except to share stories of victories and painful defeats at the arena.
“The condition of the stadium prompted the governor to go into action because he also saw the glory of the stadium stripped from it. Now he has declared that it’s time Lagos State took over responsibility of what used to be the nation’s pride.”
Tinubu recalled memories of the glory days of the stadium, saying the state government would ensure it retains it pride of place in Africa.
He said, “Many remember the stadium being ready in time to successfully host the 1973 All Africa Games and the Green Eagles winning our first ever Nations Cup in 1980 as well as hosting the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup as Spain’s golden generation lifted the cup in style.”
Punch