At new Maracana Stadium, minister canvasses support for grassroots devt

New Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, Lagos State

Sports Development Minister, John Owan Enoh, has called for more private sector participation in the provision of facilities nationwide, saying that the Federal Government would support every initiative supporting the development of the nation’s sports sector.

The minister, who was thrilled by facilities at the new-look Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, Lagos State, at the weekend, said the current administration would enter into private-public sector partnerships with individuals or organisations eager to contribute to the growth of the sector.

The Minister, who toured the facility alongside the Oniru of Iru, HRH Abdulwasiu Omogbbolahan Lawal; Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun Council, Fatai Ayoola; Olu of Iwa and Apapa kingdom, Oba Mohammadu Oluwa; Lagos State Commissioner of Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, as well as the chairman of the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, Chief Yemi Idowu and other dignitaries, described the edifice as a showcase of what sports should be.

He said: “The Maracana Sports Complex, for me, is both a showpiece and a showcase and this is the way our sports should go. I now understand why people kept talking about this place.

“It’s also quite astonishing that you can find something positive, something that you can showcase to the rest of the country located here at Ajegunle; it speaks volume”.

“This shows what you can achieve by having sufficient will, commitment and passion. I have been told that this place used to be a dumpsite. So, there’s a lot about here. Not just the fact that it is in Ajegunle but located in a former dumpsite.

“I have seen so many kids here today. I mean this complex provides an opportunity for young kids to come to engage, be happy