Lekan Salami Sports Complex: Promise Delivered

Governor Seyi Makinde's campaign promise to upgrade the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba, Ibadan, was fulfilled during his first term. 

The project commenced in August 2020 and the main bowl of the 33-year-old facility was officially commissioned on September 1, 2021, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar presiding over the ceremony. 

The remodeling, executed under an Alternate Project Funding Approach at a cost of N5.5 billion, transformed the stadium to FIFA international standards, introducing amenities such as a natural grass pitch, state-of-the-art media studio, VAR facilities, 20 hospitality suites, and upgraded seating capacity from 8,000 to 10,000 spectators.

While Phase 1 (main bowl) was delivered on schedule, Phase 2, which includes renovation of tennis courts, gymnasiums, swimming pool, boxing and wrestling facilities, and an administrative block, was originally scheduled for completion in February 2022. 

The completion status of Phase 2 facilities beyond the terminal date of Makinde's first term remains unclear based on available documentation. 

Nonetheless, the delivery of the stadium's primary infrastructure, the main bowl, within the first term constitutes fulfillment of the core campaign promise to upgrade the complex.