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Sports Administration: Fashola’s Way!
By Toyin | July 15, 2009
This year’s FA cup final was a good indication of what could be achieved when the right people are in positions of authority. The match that took place at the Teslim Balogun stadium in Surulere was not a cracker as it were but the organization was world class. It left a bit of pride in my heart that someone could conceive holding the tournament’s final in Lagos and tie it up for additional three years.
Each time I enter the National Stadium in Surulere and the sight of what it has become stare me harshly in the face; silent curses ooze out of mouth to those people who call themselves our sport administrators. I remember that just nine years ago, the final of the Nations Cup was held at this grand edifice that holds nostalgic memories for not a few fan. Since then, things have fallen apart for the behemoth that was once the Mecca of all sport lovers particularly that of football.
The decay is so glaring that nothing takes place anymore in the main bowl as the grass is completely dead. The yearly athletics meet that takes place at this venue was an eyesore this year!
Thank God that someone called Bola Ahmed Tinubu saw through the deliberate act to stop youth development through sport in the state by the deliberate neglect of the stadium. He moved at the speed of light to put into shape the long abandoned but Buba Marwa resuscitated Teslim Balogun Stadium. Before you could say Jack Robinson, Tinubu had commenced the massive renovation and reconstruction of the structure. Necessary fittings were put in place and Surulere, Nigeria’s sport city got right back in business.
Since then, major football matches have taken place at the venue particularly the round rubbing matches between the four top teams in the Globacom Premier League a few years back. Now the ‘big’ one is here: FIFA under 17 world championship.
Out of the eight venues shown to FIFA Vice President Jack Warner during his second tour of facilities for the upcoming competition; only two met the required standard. And Teslim Balogun stadium is one of the two! The second stadium is the national stadium at Abuja. This latter fact is not to be unexpected as there seem to be special preference for anything that has to do with the capital city to the detriment of other parts of the country.
The feat achieved by the Teslim Balogun stadium can be largely attributed to the drive and vision of Barrister Babatunde Fashola who since becoming the governor of the state has led with example of what governance could and should be. The last time I visited the stadium, I made sure that I did not get carried away with the neatness of the surroundings but of particular interest to me is the state of the conveniences in the edifice. Pristine! No wonder Jack Warner and his team wasted no time in awarding Lagos the right to host some of the matches of the championship.
In order for everything to be smooth and proper, the Lagos State Government commenced the reconstruction of the Western Avenue. A federal road that’s been left unattended to for God knows how many years now. And what is beginning to appear is likely to be one of the most beautiful road in the whole of Lagos!
When youths from all over the world come into town for the tournament, they will behold a clean, green environment. They will travel on a well constructed and beautiful road and that can only help the perception of our country that’s been at best dark.
When he hosted the victorious Golden Eaglets in 2007, I felt that it was all politics. After all, everyone wanted to host the boys and that has been usual practice of our politicians all the while: host winning teams and drive around town with them to show that you actually care. But I was wrong!
The policy drive in Lagos concerning sports is something that should be emulated across the country. I am aware that there’s a design to ensure that there’s a major sporting facility in all local government areas of the state. I have been privileged to see the construction of a mini stadium in Lagos Island, the total renovation of the local pitch at Gbagada, the fencing of the basketball arena at Ilupeju, ongoing renovation of Bishop Aggey playing pitch at Ilasamja etc.
Now, this is a great thing happening, the effects of all these may not be visible now but a time is coming when the discovery of the likes of Stephen Keshi, Akeem Olajuwon, Jay Jay Okocha, Chidi Imoh, Falilat Ogunkoya, Rashidi Yekinni may be the exclusive preserve of the state. Nothing prominent in life is achieved without careful planning and concerted effort. The job been spear headed by Governor Fashola in Lagos will bear great results tomorrow.
The start will be the attitudinal changes that will occur in our hyperactive youths who obviously have no channel to dissipate their energy except crime. When sports facilities become easily accessible, direction and motivation become the lot of the interested.
Our government at the federal level can take a cue from what is happening in Lagos and act accordingly. A stitch in time, they say saves nine!
Topics: Biz Football, Nigerian Football, Success Pills, Who Will Win |
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