18th NSF: NSC Scores Lagos Facilities High

The Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC),  Dr Patrick Ekeji, has commended Lagos State for the quality of facilities provided  in preparation for the 18th National Sports Festival.

Lagos State is to host the festival from Nov. 27 to December 10.

Ekeji told journalists after inspecting facilities at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and National Stadium, Lagos, that he scored Lagos 85 per cent.

“ Earlier I gave Lagos State 80 per cent but after seeing what is on ground I am adding five per cent.

“Works have been assigned to competent contractors. However, we will continue to monitor and ensure that the works are completed. I do not envisage any problem arising,” he said.

The director-general noted that Lagos hosting the festival would afford personalities from the sports world – ANOCA, IOC and CAF – to attend the fiesta.

The Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mr Enitan Oshodi, said that the government would fall back on its experience hosting the 2009 U-17 World Cup to organise a successful festival.

“The past experience of the U-17 World Cup will do us good and we will be able to bring back that experience.

“Also we plan to use some tournaments like the FA Cup final, Federation Cup final to test run some of our facilities before the festival,” he said.

Oshodi said that the lights and some broken seats in the indoor sports hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium were to be replaced.

The commissioner also said that the VIP section of the main bowl would be expanded to accommodate the large number of personalities expected to attend the festival.

Also speaking at the occasion, Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora, representing Lagos East, said that in spite of the pass mark given by NSC, there was still room for improvement.

“ So far so good but like I always say you can better your best; and this is Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, and much is expected of us,” he said.

The opening and closing ceremonies of the festival are expected to take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.