The United Premier Movement has said the planned rehabilitation of the Muda Lawal Stadium, Abeokuta, will significantly boost youth development, sports advancement and economic activities in Ogun State.
The group, in a statement issued by its Convener, Chief Olalekan Shoyinka, and made available to journalists through its Assistant Secretary, Hon. Sheriff Adenekan, commended the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for facilitating Federal Government attention to the long-neglected sports facility.
UPM described the approval for the rehabilitation and modernization of the stadium as a major milestone for Egbaland and Ogun State, noting that the project would create opportunities for young athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs and sports enthusiasts.
The movement stated that Olopade had continued to distinguish himself through initiatives that directly impact the lives of the people, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, sports development and community advancement.
According to the statement, the rehabilitation of the historic stadium is more than a sports project, describing it as a social and economic intervention capable of restoring Abeokuta’s status as a major sporting destination in the country.
“The approval granted by the Federal Government for the rehabilitation of the historic Muda Lawal Stadium is not merely a sports project; it is an economic, social and developmental intervention that will positively impact thousands of youths, sports enthusiasts, coaches, entrepreneurs and residents of Ogun State.
“It is a legacy project that will restore the pride of Abeokuta as a major sporting destination in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The group noted that the stadium, named after late Nigerian football icon Muda Lawal, had suffered years of neglect despite its significance in the nation’s sporting history.
Shoyinka said Olopade’s role in securing government attention for the facility demonstrated the impact of purposeful leadership and strategic advocacy.
“True leadership is measured not by titles held but by the positive footprints left behind. Hon. Bukola Olopade has consistently proven himself to be a worthy ambassador of Egbaland, a visionary administrator and a patriotic Nigerian whose focus remains on projects and policies that uplift the people,” he said.
The movement also praised President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for prioritising sports infrastructure development, describing sports as an effective tool for youth empowerment, national unity, talent discovery and economic growth.
UPM expressed confidence that upon completion, the upgraded stadium would serve as a modern sporting hub capable of hosting national and international competitions while inspiring a new generation of athletes from Ogun State and beyond.
