Ondo State Government says that it has not abandoned the construction of new stadium located in Akure.
It would be recalled that the late Governor Olusegun Agagu had approved the construction of new stadium more than a decade ago.
Aiyedatiwa while speaking at the official handling over of the renovation of the sports facility to Reform Sports West Africa at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
The renovation of the Akure stadium had been approved at the highest decision making body of the state, State Executive Council (SEC) weeks ago.
He said the old stadium needed to to be renovated, likewise the ones in Ondo, Ore, Okitipupa and other part of the state to develop more talents at the grassroots.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development,Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye,said he would inspect the old stadium as soon as possible for on the spot assessment of the facility.
Aiyedatiwa urged the contractor handling the project to deliver as expected, saying the current administration will not want the sport loving people of the state to be questioning them after they had handed over the renovation to the contractor.
He said : “I want you to resume work here on next Monday, there is no room for wasting of time, work must resume immediately, I will have to relocate my office to this place”
“Your company is a reputable organisations,we have been working with you since 2012 as you laid this same turf, and we have no doubt in our minds that you will deliver as expected”.
According to the governor, the renovation is expected to be completed before the beginning of next football season.
The Chairman Of Ondo State Football Association and executive Board member of Nigeria Football Federation,Otunba Dele Ajayi, commended the Governor for his giant stride in approving the renovation of the stadium.
“As an executive board member of NFF, I can assure the people of the state that with the renovation of the stadium that we are going to bring one of the Super Eagles matches to Ondo State.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Reform Sports West Africa, Mr Michael Adamu, said his company will deliver a quality job and meet up with agreed date of delivery.
He added that his company laid the turf of the pitch 14 years ago, saying they will do a good job again.
“We are a lucky organisation, remember immediately we delivered in 2012 Sunshine Stars played in the continent, with God on our side ,such era will return after we have delivered again,”
According to the Technical Officer of the organisation, Architect John Ewule, “areas to be renovated include; the main pitch, Basketball Court, Volleyball and Handball courts.
Also, Stadium car park will be converted to multipurpose pitch that will house Hockey and football training pitch.”