The Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) has officially handed over the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Indoor Sports Hall and the Squad Courts Hall, Rowe Park Sports Centre,Yaba, Lagos to Messrs Intemol Consult Limited for its final phase of completion. The contractor has committed to delivering the project within six weeks.
Speaking at the handover ceremony over the weekend, LSSTF Chairman, Wahid Oshodi, highlighted the urgency of completing the indoor hall and Squash courts Hall before the end of September, in preparation for the maiden National Intermediate Games scheduled to hold in Lagos from October 1 to 15.
“The main purpose of today’s event is to formally hand over the complex to the contractor. Work has been progressing gradually, but now we expect full speed ahead so that the facilities will be ready in a couple of Months,” Oshodi said.
He described Rowe Park as a cornerstone of sports and recreation in Lagos, serving generations of athletes and residents alike.
“Most importantly, the Indoor hall must be completed, and the Squash courts—untouched for over a decade—must be revived. Many people rely on this facility, and we want them to have cause to smile again,” he added.
Oshodi further emphasized the importance of sustainable maintenance, noting that the Lagos State Sports Commission’s facilities management department would now be supported by professional sports facilities managers.
“Rowe Park is the heartbeat of Sports in Lagos and, by extension, Nigeria. Generations of athletes, including legends like Hakeem Olajuwon, honed their skills here. That culture must continue. The facilities simply need upgrading. We began with the swimming pool, which is now Olympic-size, and we are grateful to the Governor and our sponsors for their support,” he said.
Representing Intemol Consult Limited, Niyi Lawal assured stakeholders of timely delivery. “We have done it before—we successfully handled the swimming pool project. Although the initial timeline was three months, we are determined to shorten it to two. We will work day and night, adding extra hours and personnel if necessary, to meet the deadline,” he affirmed.