Lagos Viewing Centres, Bringing World Cup Closer To Lagosians

 

When the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode assumed office in May 2015, he said his administration would engage more youths, produce more star athletes and create a synergy with sports, tourism, entertainment and hospitality, thereby using the sectors to grow the economy and serving as a tool for youth empowerment and development.

Between now and then, the profile of the state, the Centre of Excellency, has continue to grown in terms of sports development and adding values to the life of Lagosians.

Long before the kicked off of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals, the sports loving Governor Ambode thought in his wisdom that Lagosians who could not physically present in Russia for the World Cup should have a platform which will enable them to be part of the biggest sporting showpiece in the world.

To this end, the Governor made provision for setting up of six World Cup Viewing Centres across some carefully selected points in the State. This brought about viewing centres in the following areas: Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island; Abesan playground, Alimosho; Naval Yard Ajegunle; Bishop Aggrey Youth Centre, Mushin and Epe Recreation Centre. In the last few days, the Governor also made approval for additional two viewing centres at Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu and Badagry Grammar School, Badagry.

Fans at Bishop Aggrey, Mushin

To ensure smooth operation of these centres, the Governor provided a public liability insurance cover for the six centres for the period of the World Cup. The sports-loving governor also provided security, traffic control and general sanitation at the viewing centres.

With sitting capacity of 24,500 at all the centres, it could be seen that on each day of the ongoing World Cup, over 30,000 fans usually visit the viewing centres everyday. Lagosians would enjoy all the 64 matches at the centres.

“This is quite interesting and to say the least, Governor Ambode really knows what his people want and he usually read our minds. Both young and old love football and at a period when the electricity supply is not good, the World Cup Viewing Centres are platform we are sure of watching matches from Russia, ” said Mr. Yomi Oriade,  a banker, who said he preferred to leave the comfort of his home in Surulere to catch the fun at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

At the Agege Stadium, an undergraduate student in one of the universities in the South West, Bunmi Olawale said: “I want to commend Governor Ambode for bringing this year’s World Cup closer to us. I love watching football in a relaxed mood which this centre provides. The jeers and the banters are naturally parts of the game.”

Miss Folakemi Adeolu at the Bishop Aggrey Secondary School, Mushin, said as a woman, she love football, though she couldn’t play game, she always love watching the game and love seeing Nigerian players on the field. “When I heard that Governor Ambode was bringing a viewing centre closer to where I’m living in Mushin, I was so happy, that’s why you see me here,” Miss Adeolu, who wore jersey of the Super Eagles, said.

Lagosians watching live football action from Russia at the Campos mini Stadium, Lagos

Mr. Okafor Chinedu said at the Campos Mini Stadium, Ajele, Lagos Island that football is the only thing that unites Nigerians irrespective of status, tribes and religious. “You can see how we relate here watching football. You won’t know which tribe anybody comes from, we are one Nigeria when the game is on. So for Governor Ambode to provide a platform for us to show the oneness spirit as Nigerians, I think he deserves our applause,” Chinedu remarks.

Victor Nwachukwu said he sells motor spare parts at Alaba market in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos. He watched Nigeria, Croatia match at the Naval Yard playground, Ajegunle. “The arrangement at this centre is quite interesting and I love it. Kudos to the Governor and I believe that Lagos is number one sporting state in Nigeria,” Nwachukwu said.

At the Abesan Estate, Alimosho centre, Mrs. Omolara Ekundayo was so excited to remark that the security arrangement provided at the centre was excellent. She said with this, the sky is the limit with what Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is doing for sports in Lagos.

While on a tour of the viewing centres, the Executive Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr Kweku Adedayo Tandoh was so excited seeing the people watching one of the matches at the Epe Recreation Centre. He noted that the level of their concentration couple with the atmosphere at the centre did show what the Governor had in mind for setting up of the World Cup Viewing Centres.

“The Governor wanted the people to have a feel of football action in the ongoing tournament and he believes the viewing centres will also serve as fun and relaxation spots for the people,” Tandoh said.

Chairman of Lagos Sports Commission, Dr. Tandoh (left) at Campos Mini Stadium

To the Director General of the Sports Commission, Hon. Babatunde Bank-Anthony, Governor Ambode is known for keeping any promise he made to his people. He told us before the World Cup that he won’t want Lagosians to miss any match of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, and he gave us the directive of what should be done.

The viewing centres have been a beehive of activities since the World Cup kicked off as there are lots of opportunities inherent in this initiative from the Governor of Lagos State.

An Abuja based labour leader, Comrade Yahaya Majeed said while watching the match between Brazil and Costa Rica on Friday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere that the various viewing centres will definitely engage the communities where they are situated with series of multiplier effects such that people not directly watching football will have something to take home at the centres.

Director General of the Sports Commssion, Babatunde Ban-Anthony at the Teslim Balogun Stadium centre in Surulere

“Trading activities from those selling sachet waters, soft drinks and other items will see their businesses booming at the centres during the World Cup. That’s the reason I think Governor Ambode is a man who love his people so dearly, “Comrade Yahaya said.

With lots of matches still underway at the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, Lagosians are in for exciting moments at all the six World Cup Viewing Centres.

Fans during Nigeria vs Iceland match at Naval Yard playground, Ajegunle.