Ekiti begins stadium rehabilitation with FIFA-standard turf, new tracks

The Ekiti State Government has begun rehabilitation work at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, aiming to upgrade its facilities to international standards.

The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba, said on Sunday that the project underscores Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to sports development.

Osetoba said the rehabilitation would involve the laying of FIFA-standard synthetic grass.

The technical adviser said that while the synthetic grass, which was imported from Italy was being installed by experts, new tartan tracks for athletics would also be installed as part of efforts to upgrade facilities in the stadium to international standards.

She said, “The scope of work at the stadium will also include renovation of the existing spectators’ stands, construction of standard canopies over the uncovered spectators stands and as well construction of a befitting administrative block for the State Sports Commission within the Stadium Complex.”

She added that work was progressing on the 900-seater indoor sports hall initiated by the Oyebanji administration last year.

Osetoba said, “When completed, the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium would be able to host not only the home and international matches and competitions.

“When completed, the indoor sports hall will be able to host 16 different sports, including basketball, badminton, handball, volleyball and boxing, among others.”

The technical adviser said that as part of preparations for the forthcoming 22nd National Sports Festival tagged ‘Ogun 2025’ held in Abeokuta later in the year, the Ekiti State Sports Commission had concluded plans to hold a two-week intensive sports training camp for members of the State contingent in preparation for the festival.

She said, “In the bid to ensure that the state regains its dominance in weightlifting, the Oyebanji administration has renovated the weightlifting gymnasium in the stadium.”