Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has given construction workers a pass mark for the lofty steps they have taken so far in putting facilities in shape for the next National Sports Festival in his capital, Abeokuta, sports247.ng reports.
Although the festival is tagged Gateway Games 2024, Governor Abiodun pointed out that it will hold from January 12 to 28, 2025 at two major venues in The Rock City.
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He affirmed that this would help the workers complete all ongoing reconstruction and renovation activities at MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto and Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, both in Abeokuta.
After inspecting facilities at the two venues, Abiodun said he was satisfied with what he saw; but stressed that the workers must not rest on their oars as they will still face a thorough final assessment.
Abiodun added, “I have come here to see for myself the level of progress that is being made in the reconstruction works ahead of the Gateway Games 2024, but will start on 12th of January 2025.
“I want to say that I am impressed with the level of activities that I have seen at the stadium.
“I have been to a location behind the main pitch, where an Olympic size swimming pool is being constructed. I have also seen the tennis court, the handball court, and the main bowl itself.”
The soft-spoken governor then served a very elaborate report of his observations from the tour, and enthused that a professional job is being done by workers whom he described as very experienced in the task.
“We see that the pitch is being removed. The surface is being prepared in readiness for concrete work and the eventual laying of the turf.
“The track itself has been totally removed. The drains have been opened, and they want to ensure the pitch has enough layers so that, when it rains, water pours into the drains.
“That would ensure that we avoid flooding that has happened in the past.
“The track is also being put ready, and we are satisfied with the level of professionalism that is being demonstrated by the contractors.
“I believe that they are very experienced and they know exactly what to do. They have done similar work in the past,” Abiodun noted.
He, however, stressed that a final assessment will still be given when the work is completed, and charged all the construction workers not to relax until everything is completed according to their initial layouts.
“They are very familiar with this facility, but I have also pointed out a few things to them.
“We are seeing what they are doing in terms of the scoreboard, the floodlightings and the VIP stand.
“We will review their final drawings, so that they perform what they have in mind,” Abiodun assured.
