….set to install synthetic pitch and new tartan track in stadium

Ekiti State Government has commenced massive reconstruction and overhaul works at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti.

The Technical Adviser to the State Governor on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba who made this known in Ado-Ekiti while featuring on a live audience participation simulcast on all radio stations in the State and beyond tagged “Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today”, said that the refurbishment would include laying of FIFA -standard synthetic grass and certified athletics running tracks.

Reiterating the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to sports development in the State, Dr. Osetoba elucidated that thoroughbred professionals were engaged to install the FIFA-Grade synthetic grass imported from Italy at the all-seater stadium adding that a new tartan track for athletics would also be installed as part of efforts to upgrade facilities at the Stadium to global Standard.

According to her, the stadium which was hitherto excluded from matches by the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) due to the poor condition of the pitch, would not only be able to host home matches of Ekiti Queens and Ekiti United but also international matches and competitions.

She explained that the scope of work at the stadium would include the renovation of the spectators’ stands as well as the construction of standard canopies over the previously uncovered spectators’ stands and building of a befitting administrative block for the State Sports Commission within the Stadium Complex.

Osetoba also assured that work was progressing smoothly at the 900-seater indoor sports hall initiated last year by the Oyebanji Administration, noting that the project would be capable of hosting 16 different sports including Basketball, Badminton, Handball, volleyball and boxing amongst others thus boosting sports development.

Commenting on the State’s level of preparations for the forthcoming 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Ogun 2025 scheduled to hold later in the year in Abeokuta, Osetoba assured that the State is poised and ready to not only compete but to win laurels, adding that the State Sports Commission had, in addition, concluded plans to hold a two-week intensive sports training camp for members of the State contingent in preparation for the festival.

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She praised Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering dedication and provision of necessary support for sports development, noting that his firm and steadfast commitment to strategic promotion and growth of sports, aiming to increase participation, improve skills, and foster a positive sporting culture, whether for grassroots participation or elite performance is rapidly moving sports in the State to genuine sustainable development.

Osetoba said “I wish to express our heartfelt thanks and eternal gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for the procurement of a 30-seater Coaster bus for the Commission which has tremendously eased movement of sportsmen and women from the State to and from competitions.

“It is worthy of note that the Oyebanji administration has renovated the Weight lifting gymnasium at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in its bid to ensure that the State regains its dominance in weight lifting the the Governor himself personally donated a set of Basketball upright worth several millions of Naira last year in his pursuit of excellence in sports in the State.”