Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Wednesday evening, inaugurated the 10,000 capacity Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba in Ibadan.
Makinde, in a keynote address at the occasion, promised that his administration would continue to execute projects that would promote sports and youths development.
The project was awarded in August, 2020.
The governor said that one of the challenges facing the country was how to create employment for youths.
He said the country was blessed with talented youths, especially sporting talents, “and we felt we must do this to create opportunities for our youths”.
He thanked Retired Gen. David Jemibewon, who built the stadium during his tenure as Military Governor.
“If the vision of building this complex didn’t come from him (Jemibewon), we won’t have anything to remodel,” Makinde said.
He said the project was the first phase, adding that the second phase would take care of other facilities, especially the Tennis Court and Golf course.
The governor thanked everyone, especially the people of the state that gave him the opportunity to lead them.
In their separate goodwill messages, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, former Head Coach of the Super Eagles and Jemibewon, lauded Makinde for remodelling the sports complex.
They expressed optimism that the project would go a long way in enhancing sports development in the state in particular, and the country in general.
Commenting, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, also commended Makinde for completion of the laudable project, among other infrastructure development projects being undertaken by his administration.
They urged him to continue executing projects that would create job opportunities for youths, and also bring rapid development to the state.
A friendly match was organised at the stadium between NK Tabor Sezana of Slovenia Football Team and the 3SC.
However, the governor, decked in branded OYSG sports kits, scored a historic penalty kick in the hands of ex-international, Peter Rufai, as the goalkeeper.
