The Oyo State Government is set to commission the remodeled Lekan Salami Stadium on the 1^st of September 2021, it is important we inform the people the numerous impacts the stadium will have on the Sports development and economy of the State.

His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State flagged off the remodeling of the stadium which was built in 1976 last year 2020, It is notable to state that while previous administrations did not see the need to invest in it, in terms of maintenance and renovation, His Excellency took the decision in the best interest of the people after considering its potential impact on the economy of the state.

The Chairman, Oyo State Sports Council, Hon. Gbenga Adewusi in his reaction, said the “re-modelling project will have a major impact on the history of Oyo State”, he noted that “the future generations of Oyo State Indigenes would remember the present administration for good”.

The Chairman further disclosed to the newsmen that already, many corporate organisations and companies like Nigerian Breweries and some Sport marketers have approached the council to request for sponsorship of Programmes, Events, and Spaces in the stadium.

Comparing the previous condition of the Stadium to the current state, the remodeling has brought the following changes to the stadium: Improved Playing Surface, New Lighting System, Doping Control Room, VAR Room, Improved Match Official Room, Natural Grass, Youth Center/Ball Boy Room, Standard Olympics Track Lines, Standard Clinic, CCTV camera to monitor 5km radius to the Stadium.

It should also be noted, that the stadium capacity has also been upgraded to cater for about 10,000 participants/viewers, this is in line with the vision of His Excellency to make the stadium one of its kind in the country where both local and international matches can be hosted.

All these improved facilities will serve as an enhanced platform for Sport tourism as a viable source of revenue generation in Oyo State, it presents suitable and up to standard facilities for the International community to host International games thereby guaranteeing lasting economic benefit.

The stadium facilities are expected to provide both direct and indirect jobs for the people of the state, boost the local economy and at the same time address the issues of unemployment resulting in societal ills by creating a working space for youth engagement in sports.

This Remodeling Project attests to His Excellency’s committed passion to creating employment, Youth engagement and Infrastructural development.