A Legacy in Shambles: My Heartbreaking Visit to Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, By Philip Shaibu
As I stepped into the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium today, my heart bled as I was met with a scene that left me stunned and disheartened. The once-thriving sports facility, meticulously managed by my office before, now lies in ruins. The sheer neglect and disregard for taxpayers’ money is appalling.
The tartan track, football pitch, tennis court, waveless swimming pool, and surrounding areas have deteriorated alarmingly, defying comprehension. A single concert, held in blatant disregard of contractual agreements, has voided the warranty and ravaged the main bowl. The consequences of this reckless decision are staggering.
Just one year out on sabbatical, our iconic stadium, once a beacon for athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts worldwide, now stands as a testament to poor maintenance and bureaucratic indifference. With the National Sports Festival looming, this facility should be buzzing with activity – training sessions, workshops, and seminars. Instead, it lies dormant.
The Gymnasium Hall, once a pride of West Africa, fades into obscurity. Our state-of-the-art facility rusts away, abandoned and unused. This is not the vision we had for sports development in our state.
Politics should never supersede the people’s interests. This stark reality check serves as a warning to those prioritizing ego over progress.
The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium should be restored to former glory and restore sports excellence in our state.
•Philip Shaibu is the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Photos from the inspection:
