Retired Referee Atoun urges Governor to revive Lagos stadiums for youth

On his birthday, retired referee and current General Secretary of the Lagos State Referee Association, Dele Atoun, took the opportunity to address a pressing concern rather than celebrate. He made a heartfelt appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, urging him to revive Lagos’s deteriorating stadiums to provide opportunities for youth empowerment.

For over four years, key stadiums in Lagos, such as Agege Stadium, Ifako Stadium, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Igbogbo Stadium, and Gbagada Stadium, have been left in disrepair. Construction on these stadiums has been ongoing but remains incomplete, leaving athletes and aspiring referees without proper facilities to train or compete. Atoun, who has been dedicated to mentoring young referees, stressed the importance of sports as a tool for youth engagement and development, lamenting that many talented young individuals are left without opportunities due to the lack of functional infrastructure.

Atoun’s birthday wish was simple but impactful: he called on Governor Sanwo Olu to complete the stadium projects and restore the state’s sporting pride. He believes that doing so would reignite hope among the youth, enabling them to pursue their dreams and regain the competitive edge that Lagos once held in the sporting arena.

Editorial

Dele Atoun’s birthday plea brings to the forefront a critical issue facing Lagos the state’s inability to provide proper sporting infrastructure for its youth. We strongly echo his call for action, as the revival of these stadiums is not just about building physical spaces it’s about empowering the next generation of athletes, referees, and sports enthusiasts. Lagos has a rich history in sports, and it is disheartening to see the neglect of facilities that once nurtured immense talent and fostered unity within communities.

Atoun’s appeal to Governor Sanwo Olu highlights the frustration felt by both the youth and sports professionals in Lagos. For many young athletes, sports offer a pathway out of poverty and a chance to showcase their talents on larger platforms. Without the proper facilities, they are deprived of opportunities that could change their lives. As a society, we must ask ourselves how can we expect our youth to excel when we fail to provide them with the resources they need?

The importance of sports as a tool for youth development cannot be overstated. It instils discipline, teamwork, and leadership, qualities that extend beyond the field or court. By investing in stadiums and other sports facilities, the Lagos government would be investing in the future of its youth, providing them with the tools to succeed both in sports and in life.

Atoun’s birthday wish is more than a personal request it is a call to action for all of us to support the youth of Lagos and ensure they have the opportunities they deserve. Let us hope that Governor Sanwo Olu takes this plea seriously and restores Lagos’s sporting pride.

Did You Know?

1. The Teslim Balogun Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in Lagos, but it has been underutilized in recent years.
2. Agege Stadium, often referred to as The Soccer Temple, has hosted several international matches before its closure.
3. Lagos was once considered the sporting hub of Nigeria, hosting numerous national and international competitions.
4. Properly maintained sports facilities have been proven to reduce youth involvement in crime by offering positive alternatives.
5. Dele Atoun has dedicated much of his life to developing young referees and advocating for better sports infrastructure.