By Aderonke Ojediran-Lawal
Lagos – Former Super Eagles attacking midfielder, Edema Fuludu, says the Lagos State Government is capable of transforming the National Stadium in Surulere into a world-class sports arena as it promised.
Fuludu made his thoughts known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.
The former Nigerian international said efforts by the Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration in Lagos would help restore the lost glory of the once thriving sports ground.
“I think that the government of Akinwunmi Ambode should be capable, and if it is not capable it will not say it wants to take care of it because it’s a waste and it’s a disgrace that the Federal Government has abandoned that wonderful structure we have, that brought so much glory to Nigeria.
“Now look at it; if you go to Abuja now, the same thing is happening to the Abuja Stadium already.
“So if the state government can take care of it well and fine.
“Look at the other stadium close by – the Teslim Balogun Stadium – the Lagos State Government is handling that one very well.
“So why won’t it be able to take care of that one; it will give employment to people – Lagosians in particular and Nigerians generally.
“The government can take care of the facility and sports will thrive again there.
“At least it can boost sports festival in Lagos and we will have more than enough facilities to use.
“So I think that it’s a good development.’’
Ambode had said on Thursday that his administration was ready to take over the National Stadium in Lagos from the Federal Government and transform it to a world class sporting centre.
Ambode said this after he inspected facilities at the 45-year-old stadium, in company of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, who described the stadium as a disaster and national shame.
The governor bemoaned the deplorable condition of the stadium and expressed preparedness to hit the ground running towards restoring the stadium once it is officially handed to the state.
Ambode stated that his administration has decided to prove a point that sports is a sure way to fighting recession.
NAN reports that the then state-of-the-art edifice was built in 1972, ahead of the 2nd All Africa Games in 1973, and since then several local and international sport competitions have been hosted at the National Stadium.
