The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to sports development with massive investments in sports infrastructure, highlighted by the N2 billion renovation of the Pa Gabriel Ladipo Multipurpose Indoor Sports Hall in Ilorin.
Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji, disclosed this during a facility tour of the George Innih Stadium complex by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents Chapel, Kwara State Council.
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“This indoor sports hall alone has gulped over ₦2 billion. The government has also invested in the football field, tennis court, and squash court. Not many sectors have enjoyed this level of support from His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, over the last six years,” Magaji said.
He described the renovated facility as a lasting legacy of the AbdulRazaq administration, comparable only to the vision of late Major George Innih, who originally built the stadium. “It will take any future government great effort to surpass this. I don’t think any state in Nigeria can boast of this kind of edifice again because of the cost,” he added.
Magaji also praised the governor’s support for athletes’ development and welfare, noting that several state athletes have represented Nigeria at international competitions, including the Olympics, and have won medals. “The first badminton Olympic medal for Africa came from Kwara,” he noted proudly.
According to him, the Kwara State Stadium Complex now accommodates at least 32 different sports within a single location — a feat unmatched by other major stadia in Lagos, Ibadan, or Abuja. “Even the Abuja Stadium, with its packages A and B, does not have what we have here. Everything is concentrated in one spot, except golf,” he said.
Magaji further revealed that the state government is extending its sports development initiatives to other regions, with the ongoing reconstruction of stadia in Offa and Lafiagi to promote inclusiveness across senatorial districts.
He attributed Kwara’s remarkable rise in national sports rankings — from 23rd to 5th position in the National Sports Festival — to sustained government investment and athlete motivation.
“The Governor’s reward policy of ₦1 million for gold, ₦500,000 for silver, and ₦300,000 for bronze has inspired our athletes. Coaches and officials also benefit, with top performers receiving cars, including athletes with disabilities,” he said.
On the Kwara Football Academy, Magaji commended the renovation of hostels, dining halls, and clinics, describing the improvements as critical to the students’ growth and welfare.
“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has truly changed the face of sports in Kwara. Athletes who once left the state are now returning because of his vision and commitment,” he concluded.
