Dosu faults government on closure of Isheri sport complex

a member of the Atlanta 96 gold medal winning team, Joseph Dosu

There may be an impending danger and youth restiveness around Isheri area of Lagos state over the recent decision of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) to close the Community Sports facility (Isheri Mini Stadium) constructed by the Lagos state government.

The lockdown which the Commission said was necessary to enable them water the grass has lasted for more than 3 weeks which has put paid to all sporting activities taking place in the arena since then.

According to findings, the decision has left many young persons in the community who have found a safe haven in the sporting facility miffed and battle ready to challenge the commission for what they described as an arbitrary decision.

Reacting earlier today, a member of the Atlanta 96 gold medal winning team, Joseph Dosu described the decision as an attempt to truncate the sporting career of many young people in the area as the place has been barred from public use.

The Chairman of Westerlo football academy said the reason given by the Commission was not just funny but also ridiculous with the reopening which seems not to be in sight.

“To close a stadium for 3 weeks just because they want to wet it is very funny and ridiculous. This is very bad precedence that is being set and which could affect other community sports centre all around Lagos state.”

According to him, despite the decision of the Commission to close down the facilities, regular activities such as inter-house sports and other commercial activities have been going on inside the stadium that was meant to be closed to everybody.

He called on the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode to wade into the situation that can snowball into a major face-off between the youths in the community and the LSSC.

Meanwhile, with way the Lagos State Sports Commission is going about running sports and its facilities in the state, sports might go into comatose.

Reacting, the Director General, Lagos state Sports Commission, Tuner Bank Anthony said the complex was not shut down and the commission has just two weeks ago took over the ownership of the place from WAPA.