Lagos earmarks N12.6bn for sports development

The Lagos State Government on Friday said it had earmarked N12.6 billion for sports facilities and sports development in 2017.

Deji Tinubu, the Special Adviser to the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Sports, made the assertion at a briefing in Alausa to commemorate the governor’s second year in office.

Deji, who also doubles as the Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, said the government had earmarked N9.6 billion for sports facilities to boost sports infrastructure and committed N3 billion for sports development.

He said that the money was to ensure the state ranked top in sports development, adding that the government was willing to acquire the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

“There is no money for the bidding,’’ Tinubu said, lamenting the dilapidated nature of the stadium that the government was interested in.

He said that as soon as the Federal Government gave the go ahead, the government would develop the facility; make it the best in the country and the toast of all.

According to him, Nigerians will want to see the Super Eagles play at the National Stadium once again.

Tinubu also said that as soon as the Lagos State Sports Commission Bill was passed into law by the State House of Assembly, the commission would be more professional.

“It will be more specific, more dedicated, dynamic and able to keep up with the current and evolving sports trends,’’ he said.

He added that the Lagos State Sports Commission had the vision to engage more schools in organised sports and create a standardised school sports calendar.

It will also create a database for gifted secondary school athletes in basketball, volleyball, handball, athletics, wrestling, table-tennis and taekwondo.

 

Anthony Nlebem with agency reports