BY AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Some eminent Nigerians have commended Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for remodelling the Lekan Salami Stadium Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The personalities spoke in their remarks at the inauguration of the remodelled stadium, on Wednesday night, in Ibadan.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who unveiled the plaque at about 6:15pm, described the opening of the complex as a well directed effort.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; Godwin Obaseki of Edo, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja; Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, Segun Odegbami and other ex-internationals.
Former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, an APC chieftain in the state, lauded Makinde for the initiative and advised that the maintenance of the remodelled complex should be given priority.
“If I am to give any advice, I will just say they should permanently give this facility to someone to maintain. Our maintenance culture is very poor.
“So, for it not to deteriorate and get out of hand again, we have to engage somebody who will continually maintain it,” the former governor said.
Alao-Akala, who said that he was at the event as an elder statesman, explained that he owed the state the duty of involving in its development and progress.
Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, who represented the Oyo Central Senatorial District in the senate, noted, “We will have footballers and teams coming from different countries for international matches in Ibadan.”
Residents and sports enthusiasts in the 33 local government council areas of the state and beyond thronged Adamasingba in their thousands on Wednesday.
The crowd of people defied heavy downpour in the evening in a bid to catch a glimpse of the inauguration of the stadium.
An international friendly match was played between the Shooting Stars Sports Club, also known as Oluyole Warriors, and the NK Tabor Sezana, a Slovenian League side.
The match ended 4-0 in favour of the host, Oluyole Warriors.
The project of Lekan Salami Stadium Complex began in 1976 during the administration of Gen. David Jemibewon (retd.), as Military Governor.
The sports complex, built on 130,000 square metres, was opened on May 28, 1988.
