NIGERIA: Kwara Gov Applauded for Record-Breaking Investment in Kwara Sports Infrastructure

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been commended for spearheading what has been described as the largest investment in sports infrastructure in the state’s history, a multi-billion-naira effort that has transformed the state’s sporting landscape and elevated Kwara’s profile in national sports competitions.

The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji, made the commendation during a weekend media tour of facilities at the George Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin, organized by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council.

According to Magaji, the government has spent over ₦2 billion on the renovation of the Pa Gabriel Ladipo Indoor Sports Hall, in addition to substantial investments in the football field, tennis court, squash court, and other sports facilities within the complex.

Magaji said: “This indoor sports hall alone has gulped over ₦2 billion. Not many sectors have enjoyed as much support as sports from His Excellency, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in the last six years. If he leaves no other legacy, this sports infrastructure alone will stand as a testament. I don’t think there can be any government in Nigeria that can replicate this type of edifice again because of the cost.”

The Sports Commission Chairman also revealed that the George Innih Stadium Complex now accommodates 32 different sporting disciplines, all within one facility.

“You can’t compare this stadium to those in Lagos, Ibadan, or even Abuja. The Abuja National Stadium has package A and B, yet neither has what we have here. Ours is concentrated on one spot. You can do all sports here apart from golf,” Magaji buttressed.

He further noted that Kwara’s stadium complex now surpasses even the country’s most prominent facilities in scope and functionality.

Magaji also disclosed that the AbdulRazaq administration is extending sports development to other parts of the state, with the reconstruction of Offa and Lafiagi stadia in the southern and northern senatorial districts respectively.

This, he said, is part of the state’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable sports ecosystem that benefits youth across all regions.

The report further reiterated that Kwara’s growing investment in sports has yielded remarkable results. The state’s performance in the National Sports Festival has improved dramatically, rising from 23rd to 5th place in recent years , a feat Magaji attributed to the governor’s consistent support.

“The Governor has given us all the necessary encouragement, financially and morally. Some of our athletes who left the state before are now returning because the face of sports has changed under this administration,” he said.

To further motivate athletes, Governor AbdulRazaq introduced a reward policy that grants ₦1 million for gold, ₦500,000 for silver, and ₦300,000 for bronze medals.

Coaches and team officials also benefit from bonuses, while brand new cars have been presented to top-performing athletes, including those with disabilities.

These incentives, according to Magaji, have improved morale and encouraged commitment among sportsmen and women in the state.

The Chairman also lauded the governor for upgrading the Kwara Football Academy (KFA), with the renovation of hostels, dining halls, and the academy’s clinic to meet modern standards.

Students of the academy, including Abdullahi Hassan, Saad Ahmad, and Adnan Muhammad-Akanbi, expressed appreciation for the conducive environment and balance between academics and sports training.

Hassan said: “I have played football since age seven, and I chose KFA because it is one of the best academies in Nigeria.”

Ahmad added: “KFA is one of the best in West Africa. They take good care of us, good staff, good rooms, water system, electricity, and medicals.”

Coach Magaji concluded that the governor’s investments have not only improved facilities but have also produced internationally recognized athletes. He cited examples of young athletes representing Nigeria in scrabble, squash, and badminton, noting that Kwara now boasts the first badminton Olympic medal in Africa.

“From infrastructure to athlete welfare, Governor AbdulRazaq has changed the story of sports in Kwara. The impact will be felt for generations,” Magaji affirmed.