The decision by Lagos State government to convert the Teslim Balogun Stadium (TBS) to an all-covered complex has raised fears in some Nigerians that the complex might not be strong enough to withstand the heavy equipment being added to it.
The fear of ‘structural defect’ being raised in some quarters notwithstanding, an official of Lagos State Sports Commission, Mrs. Oluyomi Oluwasunmi, has said there is no cause for alarm. She explained that a team of engineers had certified the complex safe for the additional work to commence.
Construction of the stadium, located directly opposite the National Stadium in Surulere, started in 1984 under the administration of military governor, Gbolahan Mudasiru. But construction later got stalled and the stadium became a white elephant project. By the time the stadium was completed in 2007, it had taken 23 years to build and cost Lagos State over N1.386 billion.
Already some pillars have been mounted around the seating arena, preparing it to become an all-covered stadium. A bulldozer was also seen leveling the tartan track, which was re-laid in the build up to Eko 2012 National Sports Festival.
What is left in the complex is the football pitch, which serves as home ground for MFM Football Club and other teams featuring in the lower divisions of Nigerian football.
Some players of MFM FC, who spoke with our source after their training session last week, said the Lagos State government may have been ill advised by politicians to change the entire complex to an all-covered arena.
“Personally, I don’t see any reason why Lagos State should turn this old complex into an all-covered arena,” one of the players said, pleading anonymity. “The foundation may not be strong enough to withstand these heavy pillars.”
Another player said: “Lagos State has enough space to build an all-covered stadium instead of mounting heavy pillars on this old stadium. I don’t think it is safe for the fans. I want Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to come with qualified engineers to inspect this complex. He should see things for himself.”