Why We Shut National Stadium – Oreweme

The Liaison Officer, National Sports Commission (NSC), Lagos, Tayo Oreweme, has said that lack of fund is preventing the maintenance of the tartan track at the National Stadium, Lagos.

Oreweme disclosed this yesterday in Lagos while commenting on athletes’ complaints of having no regular access to the facility for their routine training.

The athletes had earlier complained that the opening of the stadium for only two days a week, Monday and Friday, was not enough for them to train.

According to Oreweme, the athletes could have been granted regular access to train at the stadium, but that the condition of the tartan track will worsen with constant trampling.

“We cannot open the main bowl for more than two days in a week because of poor maintenance fund.

“Before training used to be three days a week, but was later reduced to two to reduce the deteriorating condition of the tracks.

“Daily training at the stadium expose it to further wear and tear without commensurate maintenance due to lack of maintenance allowance.

“We do not charge the athlete for training at the stadium because they are national athletes, instead we keep borrowing to maintain it,” she said.

She urged the athletes to bear with the commission until things improve.

The officer also urged the government to ensure adequate maintenance of its property.