By Isoko Nation News Team
Despite several years of budgetary allocations running into tens of millions of naira, the Oleh Township Stadium in Isoko South Local Government Area remains in a deplorable and heartbreaking condition.
A recent visit by Isoko Nation News revealed that the facility — once envisioned as a center for sports, youth development, and community unity — has been abandoned and left to rot. The runway is cracked and overgrown with weeds, the basketball court is unusable, and sections of the roof have caved in as zinc sheets have been pulled off. Shockingly, farming activities are now taking place inside the stadium, with cassava plants visibly growing where athletes once trained.
Our correspondent captured exclusive photos and video footage during the visit, showing the extent of neglect and decay. (Attached: photos and video from Isoko Nation News)
Millions Budgeted, But Where Are the Results?
Records from the Delta State Government budgets over the last decade show that significant amounts were allocated for the “Renovation of Oleh Stadium, Oleh.” Specifically:
- ₦30 million in 2018
- ₦15 million in 2019
- ₦150 million in 2024
These figures exclude smaller allocations such as ₦1.5 million in 2022 and 2023, which were too insignificant to make any visible impact.
In total, over ₦195 million has been budgeted in the past ten years for the stadium’s renovation — yet there is no evidence of major rehabilitation on the ground.
Budget performance reports for 2024 even show 0% project execution, meaning no payment has been recorded against the ₦150 million approved for that year.
Questions for Accountability
This raises serious questions:
- Where did the budgeted funds go?
- Was any contract ever awarded or executed?
- Why has the stadium continued to deteriorate despite repeated allocations?
The people of Isoko Nation — particularly the youths — deserve answers and action. The dilapidated state of the Oleh Stadium stands as a stark reminder of failed promises and neglected infrastructure.
A Call for Urgent Action
Community members are calling on the Delta State Government, the Delta State Sports Commission, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to immediately clarify the status of all funds budgeted for Oleh Stadium and to ensure genuine reconstruction work begins without further delay.
As the attached video and photos show, the facility that should be a pride of Isoko South has become an eyesore — a field of cassava where champions were meant to be trained.
Reporter: Isoko Nation News Team
Contact: info@isoko.com.ng
Socials: @IsokoNationNG