Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state has approved the rehabilitation and upgrade of the 5,000 capacity Onikan Stadium to meet the specifications of a 21st Century sporting facility.
The stadium which was built in 1930 is close to Tafawa Balewa Square.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, said the reconstruction of the stadium is in line with the vision of the present administration to transform the facility and other infrastructure within the locality into a tourism hub and make the stadium available for various sporting activities, especially football.
“The upgrading of the stadium will rekindle the interest of football fans in local league, as well as promote sports tourism, take sports to greater heights and encourage youth activities,” he said.
In upgrading the facility, the turf, pitch, underground drainage and artificial pitch base will be removed and replaced.
Also, work would be done on external and internal walls, electrical and mechanical installations; paved driveways, perimeter fence; borehole and water reticulation as well as external electricity lighting and landscaping.
“The Governor realised that the stadium in its present state could not inspire any sense of pride in Lagosians, especially our youths, and falls short of the expectations of a state that has always led the rest of the country in sporting activities,” Ayorinde said.
When completed, he said the stadium would complement the adjoining JK Randle Arts Centre, the proposed Lagos Museum, the Lagos History Centre as well as the Lagos Heritage Centre which are all tourism-inspired projects.
