The Kwara State government has spent over N2 billion for the renovation of the Pa Gabriel Ladipo Indoor Sports Hall at the Kwara State Stadium Complex in Ilorin.
Bola Magaji, the executive chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, made the announcement during an inspection of facilities at the stadium, addressing members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Kwara Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
“This indoor sports hall alone has consumed over N2 billion. The government has also invested in the football field, tennis courts, squash courts, and more. Few sectors have received as much support from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the past six years as sports has,” Magaji stated.
He emphasised that even if the governor were to leave no other legacy, the achievements in sports would be a significant one. “Governor AbdulRazaq’s contributions here are monumental. Comparatively, I doubt any government in Nigeria could replicate such an edifice due to costs.”
Magaji further highlighted the success of local athletes, mentioning a six-year-old boy from Offa who excelled in a Scrabble competition among 180 participants, attributing this success to the governor’s support. He noted that athletes from the state have represented Nigeria internationally in competitions such as squash and the Olympics, with notable achievements in badminton.
He asserted that the state stadium stands out nationally, outshining other facilities in Lagos and Abuja in terms of scope and functionality. “The entire sports complex supports at least 32 different sports, all housed within a single facility, except for golf. No other stadium in Nigeria offers this.”
Magaji also revealed that the government is extending investments beyond the city centre, with ongoing renovations at Offa and Lafiagi stadiums to foster a more inclusive sporting ecosystem. He insisted that these investments have led to significant improvements in the performance of state athletes, noting that Kwara has climbed from 23rd to 5th place in the National Sports Festival standings in recent years.
