EKITI SPORTS HALL: a Hub of Sport Development, not Recreation Center.
Ekiti State took a major step toward enhancing its sports infrastructure with the groundbreaking of a 900-seat indoor sports hall, a facility expected to bolster the region’s athletic development. The hall, designed for basketball, volleyball, and a range of indoor sports, is slated for completion by October 2025, according to Adeola Adenuga, project contractor for Aron Nigeria Limited.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Olusola Osetoba hailed the project as a turning point for Ekiti’s sports landscape. She emphasized the hall’s potential to cultivate local talent and provide a pathway for young athletes to pursue professional careers. “This facility will not only support the Ekiti Sports Commission but also serve as a platform for national and international events,” Osetoba said, highlighting its economic benefits for the state.
The new venue will feature modern amenities, including a gymnasium, changing rooms, and sports medicine facilities, designed to help athletes compete at the highest level. It will also host both local and international competitions, positioning Ekiti as a key player in the sports sector.
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who spearheaded the initiative, declined suggestions to name the facility after himself, citing a policy of selfless governance. “Ekiti Governors don’t name projects after themselves,” he said, reiterating that the hall is meant to be a “center for sport development, not just a recreational facility.” He urged contractors and consultants to stay on schedule, with plans to commission the facility next year.
The governor’s Technical Adviser on Sports echoed the voice of the community in praising Oyebanji’s leadership, calling the project a “legacy initiative” that will have a lasting impact on the state’s sports infrastructure. The Chairman of the Ekiti House of Assembly Sports Committee also commended the governor’s commitment to fulfilling promises to the public.
Adenuga, representing Aron Nigeria Limited, assured stakeholders of the company’s expertise, pointing to its 40-year track record of successful projects, including the Ekiti State Pavilion.
Governor Oyebanji also announced Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele’s plan to build six sports centers across the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, aiming to retain local athletes and prevent their migration to other states through constant development and welfare prioritizing. He expressed confidence in the Ekiti Sports Commission and his Technical Adviser to steer the state’s sports evolution, applauding the continued support from the Commissioner of Finance.
As construction moves forward, the Ekiti indoor sports hall is poised to become a center of excellence, driving both athletic achievement and economic growth in the state.
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