Epe Youth Call for Urgent Repairs of Sports Facilities

By Mohammed Adekola
The iconic Epe Recreation Center, celebrated for its vibrant sports and recreational facilities, is now on the brink of deterioration, raising concerns among the local youth.
The centre, which initially garnered praise for its remarkable construction, has seen a decline in recent years, prompting a call for urgent repairs from some concerned Epe

The concerned youth, who don’t want to be named, aim not to place blame but to shed light on the urgent need for intervention to prevent a complete collapse of the facility. The deteriorating conditions, including failed roofing causing leakages, overgrown surroundings, and malfunctioning equipment, pose a threat to the development of talented youth who rely on the center for their training and recreation.

The sports enthusiasts emphasized the importance of rescuing the facility to ensure a positive sporting legacy for future generations. The recreation center, which once fueled enthusiasm and passion for sports, now stands as a shadow of its former self. The call for action is not just for the love of humanity but to preserve enduring legacies in the realm of sports.

“I believe it’s crucial to address the challenges our sports facility is facing. This is not to point fingers but to highlight the urgent need for intervention. The deteriorating conditions jeopardize the training and development of talented youth who rely on this center. We’re not just calling for help; we’re striving to ensure a good sporting legacy for generations to come,” one of the youth said.
Built to cater to the sporting needs of the community, the recreation center offered a range of facilities, including basketball courts, football fields, and a swimming pool. However, mismanagement over time led to a decline in its functionality, transforming it into a hub for social activities.

Earlier this year, a reconstruction effort commenced with the demolition of the 500-capacity stand in the football section. Despite this initiative, the slow pace of construction has become a secondary concern compared to the dilapidation affecting other sections like volleyball, basketball, and the swimming pool.

The vital role of a functional recreational center cannot be emphasized enough. It is crucial that the relevant authorities, particularly the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development in Lagos, promptly implement strategies to address the youth’s concerns, preventing the potentially harmful consequences of prolonged idleness within the youth population.