The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, says his administration is ready to take over the National Stadium, Surulere, from the Federal Government and transform it to a world-class sporting center.
The governor spoke on Wednesday after an inspection tour of the facilities in the stadium along with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung; Nigeria Football Federation President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick; and others.
Ambode, who lamented that the stadium had degenerated, said he would restore the old glory of the stadium once the Federal Government gave it to the state.
The governor said rehabilitating the stadium would bring about employment and facilitate family bonding.
He said, “We cannot fold our arms and leave this monument to waste away. The last match that was played here was about 15 years ago.”
The governor thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, while also commending Dalung for spearheading the move to hand over the stadium to Lagos State.
He said the state government was planning to construct five stadia in the state, adding that the state had a functional agency in charge of facility management. He stated that the National Stadium would be efficiently managed once given to the state.
Earlier, Dalung lamented the dilapidated condition of the stadium and called for a comprehensive action to return it to its pride of place.