The recent renovation and upgrade of sporting facilities across Ogun State have been described as a significant leap toward youth empowerment and grassroots development, with the move earning commendation from stakeholders and youth leaders.
Speaking in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Youth Affairs, Olamide Lawal, praised the administration for its commitment to revitalizing sports infrastructure as part of broader efforts to engage young people and foster their development through constructive platforms.
Lawal, who also serves as the National President of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth League, described the initiative as a visionary stride by Governor Abiodun, particularly coming ahead of Ogun’s hosting of the National Sports Festival. He noted that the facelift given to the state’s sporting facilities is not only timely but also positions Ogun as a central hub for national sports activities and talent development.
“This is not just about hosting a sports event,” Lawal said. “It’s about creating lasting opportunities for our youths. The upgraded stadiums and sports complexes across the state are a clear demonstration of the governor’s forward-thinking approach to youth development. With these modernized facilities, young athletes in Ogun now have the environment and tools they need to compete at the highest levels, both nationally and internationally.”
According to him, the infrastructural transformation of sports venues in the state will go beyond aesthetics, serving as breeding grounds for emerging talents who would otherwise lack the opportunity to hone their skills. He emphasized that access to world-class sports infrastructure will boost the confidence and performance of young athletes, many of whom now have direct pathways to excellence and professional careers in sports.
Lawal also called on the youths to take full advantage of the upgraded facilities, urging them to intensify their efforts in developing their athletic abilities and maximizing the potential benefits of the government’s investment.
“This is the time for our youths to take charge of their destinies through sports. These facilities are not just structures; they are platforms for transformation. We are confident that with the support of this administration, our young people will continue to break boundaries in their respective fields,” he added.
He further expressed optimism that the development will leave a lasting legacy beyond the ongoing National Sports Festival, stating that the facilities will continue to play a crucial role in sustaining youth engagement and reducing social vices by channeling energy into productive ventures.
As Ogun prepares to host athletes from across Nigeria for the National Sports Festival, the government’s proactive investment in sports infrastructure is being seen as a bold statement of intent — one that underlines its dedication to the overall well-being and future of its youth population.
