Citizens’ Group Petitions Sanwo-Olu Over Abandoned Sports Projects in Badagry

By Peter Dansu  The people of Badagry are raising their voices loud and clear, urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to come to the rescue of ...

By Peter Dansu 

The people of Badagry are raising their voices loud and clear, urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to come to the rescue of sports development in the historic town.

In an open letter signed by Prince S. Mawutin Ofade on behalf of the Concerned Citizens of Badagry, the group commended the governor for the ongoing infrastructure projects in the area but lamented what they described as the painful neglect of sports facilities that once held promise for young talents.

At the heart of their grievance are two abandoned projects — the Badagry Stadium inside Badagry Grammar School and the Alapa Stadium at Gbaji-Yeketome. Both facilities, according to the petitioners, were meant to serve as breeding grounds for future sports stars but have instead been left in ruins.

Even more worrying for the group was the removal of the Badagry Zonal Sports Office, a move they say has crippled grassroots sports development in the community. Without this office, many young boys and girls eager to showcase their skills are left without a platform to be discovered.

“The neglect of sports infrastructure denies children and youths in Badagry opportunities to nurture their skills. We humbly appeal for your intervention to revive the abandoned stadiums and reopen the zonal sports office,” the letter read in part.

The petition, dated August 21, 2025, did not stop at the governor’s desk. Copies were sent to key officials, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Saliu-Hundeyin; Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Shuaheeb Agoro; Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; and Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, among others.

The group expressed strong confidence that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s intervention could breathe new life into sports in Badagry. According to them, reviving these facilities will not only inspire young talents but also help promote a healthier and more vibrant community.