Some residents of Ondo town in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State have expressed their displeasure at the poor state of the state government owned stadium in the community.
The residents called on relevant authorities and well-meaning stakeholders to rise up to the challenge of returning the stadium to it’s once beautiful and conducive state in the interest of sport loving people of the community.
The residents made their opinions known while reacting to a video posted on social media platforms.
The video which was a recording of a football match played on the waterlogged pitch of the stadium exposed the terrible condition of the facility which continues to host major football competitions in the community.
A youth leader and the President of Ekimogun Youths Connect (EYC), Famakinwa Lucas popularly known as Lucaskakaki in a post expressed his dissatisfaction with the decay that has taken over the once thriving sports complex.
He said “I am not sure there is any City Stadium in the whole world that looks like this. I saw this video of the Ondo City Sports Stadium on social media this morning and I covered my face in shame.
“For years, sport enthusiasts and community development lovers have raised alarm on the poor state of our sports stadium ‘sugbon pabo lo jasi’.
“Months ago, we heard RCCG volunteered to rehabilitate it, later we heard that the current Governor is about to do something about it and later they said a popular Ondo Politician who was a boxer before joining politics planned to renovate the stadium, but none of these yielded results.”
He continued that “The state of this facility remains an eyesore for us as an Ekimogun descent. Let’s do something.
“The fact that our leaders and fathers built one of the oldest schools in Nigeria; OBHS, built the General Hospital, built the Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre, the great Eki Fm and many others is a testament that they can also build a sports complex to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind. Let’s do it again! let build the Ondo we deserve. Ekimogun tuwa dede.”
Also reacting to the posted video, Ife Oluwa commented that “Same complex that flagged off Gov Aiyedatiwa campaign last year. The roads leading to the stadium is in comatose the stadium itself is near catastrophe.
“Why things are like this is what I don’t understand. Wickedness from our politicians. A befitting sport complex for the youths and all is the government responsibility and they should do it.”
Ariyo Peters posted “Jesus! How could they have played on this water logged stadium. Disgraceful!”
Iranola Olapemi said “If the government fails to do it and ODC might’ve other project they’re doing. Let’s open GO FUND ME to do the renovation. As, we can’t just be looking at it, it’s shameful. We can do it. If the money raised is not enough, I’m sure ODC and other philanthropists can come in to help.”
Issah Olubi expressed his disappointment at the failure of the community to cash in on the economic benefits the stadium would offer if it is functioning as it should be.
He said “I grew up to celebrate children’s day at the stadium. The facility we have for the stadia is equal in size with many of these club sides our youth worships today.
“It is important to know that there are many talents that had been buried simply because those in position of authorities at different times till today failed to harnessed.
“A well planned single tournament in a good stadium will turn around economic viability of Ondo around in less than two months. Hotels, shops, supermarkets, vendors, art works, accessories of different kinds, banners, stickers etc will sell with less advertisement and more.”
Festus Oyewale Oyemakin linked the current state of the stadium to the inability of residents to take the needed steps to draw the attention of major stakeholders to happenings in the community.
He said “The problem we have in this so called kingdom of ours is our inability to walk up to people in corridor of power and make them know how things are going even if they chose to be unaware of the happenings.
“The youth bodies in Ondo should come together in making this achievable, they should look for a way to meet elected political gladiators and those appointed to see the picture or the videos of the Stadium. By so doing, I believe they will take it down to the Governor for the needed action. The Monarch should also use his position to lobby for this.”
Despite its current state, the township stadium remains ever busy as it continues to host various sporting activities like football competitions and athletics meets with both the athletes and fans seeking interventions to make the stadium conducive for everyone.
Credit: Facebook | Lucaskakaki Famakinwa
