The Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says the Gateway state is ready to host the 22nd National Sports Festival in 2024.
Governor Abiodun made this known in Abeokuta on Friday, while playing host to a five man delegation from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, under the supervision of Mr. Sunday Dare.
The delegation was led by Mr. Peter Nelson who is the Director of the National Sports Festival, and Paralympic sports.
The team visited Ogun State for “On The Spot” assessment of facilities .
Governor Abiodun explained that the current administration in the Gateway state is aware of the role of sports in building the nation and fostering unity, hence the need to engage the youth meaningfully and discourage them from vices.
The governor assured that the state government will ensure that all identified facilities would be given first class treatment, he also confirmed that his administration has invested on infrastructural development in the last three years, stressing that the National Sports Festival will also serve as an opportunity to give facelift to more facilities and create employment and business opportunities for thousands of individuals.
He appreciated the sports minister Mr. Sunday Dare for his giant strides since coming onboard as the sports custodian in the country.
Also speaking, commissioner for youth and sports in Ogun State, Dr. Kehinde Oluwadare thanked the Ogun State governor for being passionate about youth development, he added that youths in the state will continue to appreciate his fatherly role.
On the part of the project consultants, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Ogun State is well positioned to get the nod to host the 2024 National Sports Festival
Managing Director of NSML, Chief Bukola Olopade, a former commissioner for youth and sports in the Gateway state says the intention is to create the most unique festival ever.
Chief Olopade said “The National Sports Festival has been tagged the Nigerian Olympics, just like every other major event that cities host, it brings a lot to your city and create thousands of employment for the youth”
“It will also trickle down the effect of the economy, so for us at Nilayo Sports Management Limited working on it as consultants, we are proud and grateful to be part of this, we look forward to a very successful bid, and in the words of the Executive governor of Ogun State, it will be the most unique festival in history”
The leader of the delegation to the Gateway state, Mr. Peter Nelson commended the state government for the arrangement put in place, he noted that Ogun State has a very bright opportunity of hosting the festival in 2024 having held one in the past in 2006, which is adjudged to be the most unique.
The delegation however made a few recommendations as regards the standard needed ahead of the event.
The team inspected facilities in Abeokuta the state capital, and also visited Sagamu, Ikenne and Ijebu Ode axis.
