The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, marked its 62nd Anniversary on the First of February.
Each of the 36 states Chapters organised different activities to mark the day.
To mark the day in Ekiti State, members of SWAN embarked on a tour of Sports Facilities in the state capital, Ado Ekiti.
The Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba was the perfect Tour Guide, as she took members of SWAN round the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti, where the inspection of facilities began.
The facilities at the stadium can be categorized into two: those being rehabilitated and those being newly provided.
The renovated facilities include the football pitch which is now Astroturf, the Athletics track, whose tartan track is to be replaced, the sitting terrace, whose chairs are being replaced while covers are being provided for spectators, the Volleyball Court that has been upgraded, the Gymnasium that has been renovated, the VIP area which has been provided with Executive Chairs, among others.
The newly provided facilities include a modern Electronics Score Board, Floodlights with Generator, a new Administrative block, a completely rehabilitated office block, hostel for athletes which is under construction, Office for the Red Cross, among others.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Osetoba said all Rehabilitation and construction works at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium will be completed by the end of March, 2026.
At the Indoor Sports Hall being constructed beside Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, officials of Aron Construction Company, the contractors handling the project, told SWAN delegation that the capacity has been increased from 900 to 1,500.
The Indoor Sports Hall is also expected to house facilities for at least 16 sports while there will be offices, restaurant, clinic, among others within the Sports Complex.
Officials of the Construction Company told SWAN members that the Indoor Sports Hall in Ado Ekiti, when completed, will rank as one of the best in the country.
On the sideline of the visit, the Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr John Ekundayo, who was at the site to inspect the level of work done, told SWAN members that the present administration, led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji is interested in Youth and Sports development, which was the factor responsible for the construction of the Indoor Sports Hall.
Dr Ekundayo noted that on completion, the project will serve several purposes including provision of jobs for people, avenue for youths to be engaged in sports, opportunity for Ekiti to host regional and national competitions, among others.
Rounding off the visit, the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba thanked Sports Writers in Ekiti State for the visit and she gave an assurance that the Indoor Sports Hall will be completed by the end of May, this year.
