ADAMASINGBA: PROVIDENCE COALITION LAUDS SEYI MAKINDE, TELLS OF A HISTORY OF NEGLECT AND DECAY

Providence Coalition is a Socio-cultural, Socio-political organisation that seeks Good governance, infrastructural development and socio-economic emancipation of citizens.

Adamasingba complex was built on 130,000 square meters of land, formerly occupied by Ibadan race course The race course space had gone unused and had been occupied by illegal structures and activities. To reclaim the land, the military government of Major General David Jemibewon decided to build a recreational and sports complex. Development plans for the complex began in 1976 during the administration of David Jemibewon. It was opened on 28 May 1988., While the initial design was for a sports and recreational complex, provision of additional facilities for shops was later added. At inception, the complex included a football field, tennis courts, squash court and indoor sports hall. Since it was opened, the facilities had been poorly maintained.

The stadium was named Lekan Salami Stadium in 1998 in honour of Chief Lekan Salami by the Oyo State Military Governor Hammed Usman.
The potential of the sporting complex had however not been optimally utilised due to rot and decay making most facilities moribund as a result of what many believes is a lack of maintenance culture. Over the years, many of the structures had been overtaken by bushes and taken over by reptiles.
Adamasingba had remained in that state of dilapidation until Governor Seyi Makinde intervened.
Providence Coalition, speaking through the President opined that if Governor Makinde had not intervened, there would have been nothing left of the beautiful ideas of David Jemibewon.
According to Prince Niran Adeyoju, Governor Makinde should be commended for taking the initiative to not just bring back the lost glory of Adamasingba but bring it up to modern internationally acceptable standard.
Adeyoju opined that minor errors in design and construction are common place. They are sooner rectified than envisaged. This, Providence Coalition believes does not take away the commendation deserved by Governor Seyi Makinde for this laudable project.
The President wishes the governor more power to his elbow in steering the ship of the Pacesetter State.