Press Releases

How Nigeria Can Excel In Sports - Fashola
…Excitement as Government hands over Campos Mini Stadium

Feb 2, 2010 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Tuesday said Nigeria has no business getting involved with age controversies in sports because the country is too richly blessed.

According to Governor Fashola, who spoke at the handing over ceremony of the upgraded Campos Mini Stadium in Ajele, Lagos Island, what the country needs to do is to plan, prepare and work hard.

He explained that all the budding talents of Under-13 players who featured in the testimonial matches were fished out of Lagos with many still lying undiscovered in the State and many other parts of the country.

Said he: “All we need to do to fish them out is just to think ahead, roll up our sleeves and work hard. We can dominate this continent and the whole world, if we truly work hard”.

He also informed that the administration has recruited some of the best hands that are available in the world to manage the Campos Mini Stadium.

In his words: “We have brought a technical trainer who is certified from at least six European countries and has been involved in training young people for the past 15 years”.

Governor Fashola added that the trainer would organize training sessions and coaching clinics in the Campos Mini Stadium and many sports grounds across Lagos.

He also disclosed that very soon, the Agege Stadium which is bigger than the Campos Stadium but with the same turf will be delivered to Lagosians, just as work will also start on the same facility in Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu.

The Lagos State Governor said with the handing over of the mini stadium, the urban renewal and regeneration of Lagos is well underway, adding that as investors come into the state everyday they would see what Nigerians can do with its money in terms of infrastructure provision.

He commended former Governor of the Central Bank, Mr Ola Vincent, his wife and descendants of the Campos family for donating the land, adding that the traditional name of Campos Square Mini Stadium would be retained for the structure.

A testimonial Under-13 match was played between Kash Academy and 36 Lions Academy as part of the official opening ceremony. The match ended 3-0 in favour of 36 Lions Academy.

The event which drew a large crowd had in attendance the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, some members of the State Executive Council including the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Prince Ademola Adeniji Adele and sports enthusiasts.