FASHOLA APPROVES TESLIM BALOGUN STADIUM FOR ALL-STAR MATCH

Lagos State Governor, Bababtunde Fashola, has approved the use of the Teslim Balogun Stadium for the football extravaganza on September 3, which will kick off the burial activities of the music icon and foremost lady of songs, Christy Essien-Igbokwe.

On that day, Lagosians are expected to troop out in their thousands to be part of a football show the like of which has never been seen.

Battling on the green turf of the stadium will be the topmost stars of Nigerian music, who will tussle for the Godswill Akpabio trophy in a titanic struggle against the superstars of Nollywood. The big show, dubbed Football Match of the Stars, will be transmitted to the world by Supersports.

The Christy Essien Burial Sub-Committee on Publicity in a press release signed by Miss Elizabeth Ike said that the governor's approval was conveyed in a letter personally delivered to Chief Tony Okoroji by Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports & Social Development, Barrister Waheed Enitan Oshodi.

Reacting to the news, Chief Okoroji, who is in charge of ceremonials for the weeklong series of activities, said: 'Governor Fashola has once again shown that he is a man blessed with great vision and wisdom.

Short-sighted people may not understand but by closely identifying with the robustly growing Nigerian entertainment industry, he is clearly cementing Lagos as the entertainment capital of Africa and that has significant economic and social consequences. I salute his vision'

Also reacting, former Delta State Commissioner for Youth, Sports & Culture, Dr Austin Izagbo, who chairs the burial committee, thanked the governor for comforting the Igbokwe family since the death of Christy and his support of the activities of the committee. He urged Lagosians to turn out in their thousands on September 3 to watch the event, saying it is free of charge.