The Ogun State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has applauded the Ogun State Government for its infrastructural strides ahead of the National Sports Festival, while also calling for critical improvements at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta.
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This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s congress held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the SWAN Secretariat located within the stadium complex.
The congress commended the state government for its provision of world-class facilities across the state, especially the newly refurbished swimming pool and the general upgrade of the MKO Abiola Stadium.
However, the body raised concerns about some outstanding issues requiring urgent government attention. These include the rehabilitation of the stadium’s dressing rooms and the upgrading of the medical bay to meet international standards.
The association believes that such improvements would help attract more national and international events to the stadium.
Ogun SWAN also stressed the importance of establishing a functional media gallery and media centre within the stadium, citing the crucial role of the press in sports coverage.
The association noted with concern the absence of such facilities and emphasized that a permanent media centre would continue to serve journalists beyond the Sports Festival.
Another major point raised was the abandonment of the multi-million-dollar FIFA Goal Project within the MKO Stadium premises.
The congress reminded the government that the project is to be fully funded by FIFA and urged the prompt allocation of land to ensure its swift commencement, as already witnessed in other states.
In addition, the congress cautioned against the possible concessioning of the stadium after the Sports Festival. SWAN appealed for the facility to remain accessible to the public, especially for grassroots talent development and the continuous promotion of sports.
The association also called on the government to extend its ongoing stadium renovations to the SWAN Secretariat located within the complex, to uplift its standard and functionality.
Finally, Ogun SWAN assured visiting journalists of a friendly and conducive environment throughout the course of the festival, pledging full cooperation for seamless coverage of the event.
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