The Stronger2gether end-of-the-year sports fiesta at the basketball court of the Teslim Balogun Stadium not only celebrated the achievements of 2023 but also provided a platform for Damilare Orimoloye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, to share insights and outline ambitious plans for 2024.
Orimoloye, in an interview with sports247, unveiled a groundbreaking development, stating, “Come the first quarter of 2024, we’ll be having nothing less than four to five stadiums being commissioned by Governor Sanwo Olu.”
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The comprehensive plan includes the rehabilitation and redesigning of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, along with new stadiums in Ikorodu, Agege, Ifako Ijaiye, and Gbagada.
This expansion is poised to transform Lagos into a hub of sporting activities and create additional platforms for the youth to showcase their talents. Orimoloye expressed, “So 2024, I can tell you, is going to be more eventful.”
Expressing excitement at the prospect of Ogun State hosting the National Sports Festival, Orimoloye emphasized the positive impact on Lagos athletes.
“The time of travelling is reduced, and the agenda is first, we have to take all our athletes on their physical and mental fitness.”
With the state prioritizing athlete welfare and the abundance of open stadiums, Orimoloye expressed confidence in Lagos emerging victorious at the National Sports Festival in 2024. He added, “We are looking forward to becoming first in the sports festival.”
Reflecting on the successful return of Lagos State teams to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria National League (NNL), Orimoloye, also a board member of the Lagos State Football Association, affirmed unwavering support.
With one team leading its group and two others securing second and third positions, he assured that the state is committed to preventing relegation and revitalizing football activity in Lagos.
Plans to secure sponsors and provide additional coaching support further demonstrate the commitment to the success of Lagos State football teams. Orimoloye said, “We want football activity to be back in Lagos. Now that we have it, we’re going to give it every support.”
Orimoloye underscored the collaborative efforts between the Lagos State Football Association, the government, and private firms to garner support for football initiatives.
The goal is to unite the people of Lagos through sports and foster an environment where success in one area benefits the entire community.
He concluded, “A good for one, is a good for all, and people in Lagos State, we want sports, we want football, we want everything that will unite us together and bring us back together.”
As Lagos looks ahead to an eventful 2024, Damilare Orimoloye insights offer a glimpse into the dynamic and promising future of sports in the state.
The commitment to infrastructure development, athlete welfare, and football resurgence reflects a holistic approach to sports excellence in Lagos State.
