…calls for urgent upgrade and modernization to CAF and FIFA standards
The Ekimogun Roundtable, a foremost socio-economic group of Ondo indigenes at home and in the diaspora, has urged the Ondo State Government under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to urgently prioritise the comprehensive upgrade and modernization of the Ondo Township Stadium to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) standards.
In a letter addressed to the Governor and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly on September 10, 2025, and signed by the group’s Acting Secretary, Ms. Christiana Ayodele, the Roundtable noted that the stadium, which once stood as a beacon of pride for the people of Ondo, has suffered years of neglect and no longer meets the requirements to host CAF or FIFA-sanctioned competitions.
According to the group, sports remain a vital tool for youth empowerment, talent discovery, economic stimulation, and community development. Unfortunately, the Ondo Township Stadium in its current state lacks the basic modern facilities needed to qualify for national or international tournaments.
“This situation not only limits opportunities for our youths but also undermines the potential of sports as a driver of tourism and investment in the community.” The group said.
The Roundtable called on the state government to initiate a holistic modernisation programme that would transform the stadium into a facility capable of passing CAF and FIFA inspections. This, it stressed, must include an international-standard pitch, Olympic-grade athletics tracks, and modern facilities for other sports such as tennis, volleyball, handball, swimming, and table tennis. The group further pointed to the need for floodlights, electronic scoreboards, and advanced media facilities that meet FIFA’s requirements for live international broadcasts. Equally important, it said, are renovated spectator stands, VIP areas, and changing rooms designed to meet standard specifications, along with multipurpose indoor sports halls.
In addition, the group proposed the establishment of a sports village with hostels, gymnasiums, and recreational spaces that could attract training camps and international sporting tourism, noting that this is in line with global standards for modern stadium development.
The Roundtable emphasised that such an upgrade would position Ondo as a viable host for National Sports Festivals, CAF qualifiers, international friendlies, and other competitions, while also creating jobs, reducing youth restiveness, and enhancing the state’s reputation as a hub of sporting excellence.
While acknowledging past and present efforts by public-spirited individuals who have offered temporary interventions to the facility, the Roundtable insisted that only a government-led upgrade to CAF and FIFA specifications can guarantee the stadium’s revival.
It particularly urged the governor to disregard recent claims by Hon. Abiola Makinde, Member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, that he had ordered a “total renovation” of the stadium. The group described such assertions as political and misleading, clarifying that Makinde’s intervention merely covered pavilion roofing and painting, replacement of plastic seats, the supply of 20 units of solar streetlights, and minor works on the football pitch. While commendable, the Roundtable warned that these palliatives fall far short of sport organisations’ benchmarks and should not be mistaken for the expected modernisation.
“We are confident that under the visionary leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa, this project can become a legacy achievement that will inspire generations of youths and elevate Ondo City’s place in the sporting world.” The statement concluded.
