The Ogun State government has on Monday, July 31 taken a bold step in kick-starting its hosting of the 22nd National Sports Festival as the governor of the state, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun inaugurated a 16-man Local Organising Committee (LOC).
The inauguration of the NSF 2024 LOC took place at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where the governor stated that his administration is committed to supporting the committee wholeheartedly, providing the necessary resources, assistance and guidance to ensure a successful and memorable event.
At the inauguration, Prince Dapo registered his belief in the power of sports which he said is beyond activities only as a source of entertainment but also a powerful tool for youth development and empowerment.
The governor noted:- “The upcoming National Sports Festival in 2024 presents a unique opportunity for us to showcase our state’s athletic prowess and rich sporting heritage. Our administration is committed to supporting the committee wholeheartedly, providing the necessary resources, assistance and guidance to ensure a successful and memorable event.”
“We look forward to witnessing the enthusiasm and passion that this event will ignite among our people and our local economy.”
“With your support and collective efforts, we will ensure that the Sports Festival becomes a resounding testament to the power of sports in shaping a brighter future for our state, and the nation as a whole.”
Governor Abiodun urged the members of the LOC to embrace the responsibility given to them with a deep sense of purpose.
In an earlier remark, the Chairman of the Gateway Games NSF 2024 LOC, Hon. Bukola Olopade appreciated the Governor for winning the right to host the historic National Sports Festival.
“Ozogula” as fondly called, acknowledged the governor for being the first in the country to ensure that all its athletes at the last edition of the National Sports Festival in Delta State went home with a cash reward irrespective of winning or losing, as long as they participated.
The Osi-Asoju Oba of Egba Kingdon concluded by saying the set-up of core sports technocrats NY the governor is a laudable giant stride taken.
“This is very commendable. It’s remarkable to note that Governor Dapo Abiodun assembled the best brains and minds in sports today in Nigeria to run the sports festival in Nigeria.”
Ogun State who hosted one of the most celebrated Sports festivals in the country -2006 – edged states like Oyo and others in winning the bid to host the NSF 2024.
The 16-man local organizing committee is chaired by Bukola Olopade and has the former Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Tandoh as the General Secretary.
The last Edition was hosted and won by Delta State, in 2022.