Ogun State government is diligently working on modalities to bequeath enduring sporting legacies to the people.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the newly resuscitated Ogun Sports Festival, at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the festival was an opportunity to harness the potential of athletes in the state, encourage the next generation of athletes and promote the rich cultural heritage of the state, in preparation for the hosting of the National Sports Festival coming up early next year.
Represented by Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Gov. Abiodun underscored his administration’s readiness to host and organise a befitting National Sports Festival (NSF), noting that the event would be a platform to showcase the abundance of talents, potential and hospitality available in the state to the world.
“Let us all come together and collaborate effectively to present a sports festival we have never seen in the history of our great country. Together, we can highlight the spirit of Ogun State, celebrating not only our athletes but also the cultural essence that binds us together.
“May I, therefore, call on our athletes, those that will be discovered here and the ones that are at various ongoing competitions, to see this and the upcoming NSF as an avenue to display their God-given talents, change the narrative and make their families proud”, he said.
While reiterating his administration’s desire to continue to provide a conducive atmosphere for the much-needed sports development, Gov. Abiodun revealed that the state was committed to presenting outstanding talented athletes and formidable teams, that would not just represent the state, but also compete, perform creditably, as well as win laurels in national and international competitions.
He called on corporate organisations and other well-meaning individuals to join hands with government to make the NSF a huge success, promising to reward outstanding performances, to encourage local athletes.
In his goodwill message, Chairman, Ogun State Football Association, Alh. Ganiu Majekodunmi, appreciated the state government for its commitment to nurturing and showcasing abundant talents in the state to the world, stressing the importance of providing a platform for talented athletes.
The Chairman, who pointed out that raw talents abound in the state, revealed that over 18 exceptional sportsmen and women had been discovered, charging the athletes not to not rest on their oars, as they strive for excellence in their chosen fields.
One of the medalists, who won the Gold medal in ‘Ayo Olopon’’, Sadia Shokunbi, appreciated the state government for the games, saying it was a good preparation for the National Sports Festival, promising to make the state proud at the national festival.
Also, a Gold medalist in the 100 metres, Deaf Category, Abigail Ikushigbagbemi, noted that the event would go a long way in helping the cause of people living with disabilities, promising to win Gold medal for the state at the NSF.
In the football event, Ijebu Division defeated Remo 5-4 on Penalty shootouts to become champions, while Egba thrashed Yewa Division 3-0 in the third-place final.
The 2024 edition of the State Sports Festival featured different sporting activities, including Football, Athletics, Cycling, Scrabble, Chess, Ayo Olopon, Deaf and Para-Athletics.
