Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended Ogun State Government for the ongoing upgrading of facilities including construction of a swimming pool at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Kuto and Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja both in Abeokuta, to a world class standard, ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival holding in the state between May 16 and 30, 2024
The State chapter of SWAN gave the commendation in a communique issued at the end of its monthly Congress held on Wednesday at MKO Abiola Stadium Secretariat of the association in Abeokuta, the State capital
SWAN however appealed to the state government to look into the stadium dressing rooms for rehabilitation and give a facelift to the medical bay in line with what is obtainable globally and to further attract national and international events to the stadium.
The Congress in the communique jointly signed by the State SWAN Chairman, Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji and Secretary, Comrade Segun Folarin, also reminded the Prince Dapo Abiodun's administration to revisit the abandoned multi - million dollars FIFA Goal project sited within the MKO stadium premises.
The project which has been sited in other selected states according to the communique, has no financial implication to the state government as it will be fully funded by FIFA.
"We appeal to the state government to allocate land for the commencement of the project", the association pleaded
The Congress also stressed the need for
media gallery to be situated within the main bowl of the MKO Abiola stadium being upgraded, saying doing this will ensure smooth running and coverage of sports events even after the sports fiesta.
Similarly the congress expressed its concerned over the inability of the state government to construct a media centre at the MKO stadium.
"Such a media centre will not only be beneficial to journalists during the games but will outlive the games for years to come. It must be reiterated that this is a media event that deserves huge publicity for its gains to manifest effectively. Ogun State should not deviate from the norm", SWAN stated
The congress urges Ogun state government to refrain from concessioning the MKO Abiola International stadium after the festival. We urge the government to make the facility open for use by the general public for talent discovery and promotion of sports.
The congress assured all visiting journalists of a warm, friendly and amiable environment for a successful coverage of the games.
The Congress urged the state government to extend the ongoing reconstruction at the MKO Abiola International stadium to the SWAN secretariat, located within the stadium complex to enhance it's standard.
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