By Milcah Tanimu
Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, has received commendations from sports enthusiasts and former athletes for his efforts in improving the National Stadiums in Abuja and Lagos.
The Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja had suffered neglect for nearly a decade, while the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, had been in disrepair for even longer. Sunday Dare initiated the “adopt a pitch” program and collaborated with the private sector to restore these national facilities to their former glory.
Prominent journalist Dare Esan praised the minister for renovating the National Stadium in Lagos and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, stating that both facilities were in much better condition when Dare left office than when he first assumed the role of Minister of Sports in August 2019.
Mary Onyali, a former Nigerian international athlete, also expressed her gratitude to the former minister for restoring the Lagos National Stadium, which held many special memories for her.
The rehabilitation efforts included installing an eight-lane tartan track, maintaining the pitch, and adding digital scoreboards, making the stadiums more functional and attractive. The Dangote Group, among others, contributed to these renovations through public-private partnerships.
The improvements have allowed the stadiums to once again host national and international sporting events, marking a significant achievement in the development of sports infrastructure in Nigeria.
