The Kwara State Government has announced that it has committed over N2 billion towards the upgrading of sports facilities across the state in the last six years.

Among the key facilities upgraded are the Pa Gabriel Ladipo Indoor Sports Hall at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin, and various tennis and squash courts. The government also noted a refurbished football field and the ongoing reconstruction of the Offa and Lafiagi stadia.

The Chairman, House Committee on Information and Sports, Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu, disclosed this in Ilorin over the weekend while briefing sports writers on the ongoing efforts of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's administration in sports development.

Hon. Shittu described the scale of the investment as a turning point in Kwara's development planning.

She emphasized the administration's new perspective on sports: "We are seeing sports as a business enabler, not just recreation." She elaborated on the economic rationale: "Every court built and every stadium refurbished means jobs for builders today and opportunities for athletes tomorrow. It's a complete ecosystem that connects health, youth, and the economy."

Also speaking, Chairman of the Kwara Football Association, Hon. Idris Musa Abdullahi, who oversees the ongoing refurbishment of the mainbowl of the Kwara State Stadium, said football remains the state's most visible link between sports and commerce.

He said, "The governor's investment is not just about infrastructure; it's about repositioning football as business.

"When the new main bowl is completed, we'll have facilities that meet national and continental standards.

"That means hosting major tournaments, bringing in fans, media, and sponsorships that benefit the state economy."

He added that the state's ranking in national sports has risen dramatically from 23rd to 5th place in the National Sports Festival showing how infrastructure investment can translate into better performance and visibility.

He stated, "Beyond buildings, Kwara's policy of rewarding athletes has deepened morale and performance.

"The state offers N1 million for gold, N500,000 for silver, and N300,000 for bronze medals, alongside vehicle gifts for top achievers, including para-athletes.