Gov. Abiodun inspecting ongoing upgrading of sports facilities at the MKO Abiola Stadium recently.
The ongoing massive rehabilitation of sporting infrastructure in Ogun State in preparation for it’s hosting of the National Sports Festival, scheduled to kick start next month is bound to raise the bar for future hosting of sporting events in the state, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka has observed.
Isiaka who made this observation while conducting some media men round renovated sporting facilities across the State noted that the state’s commitment to sports development is evident through the ongoing rehabilitation of its sporting infrastructure and assured the journalists that the Games would be declared as “best of the best”.
He further stated that, with meticulous preparations hitting top gear for the fast approaching 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, the Ogun State Government was confident that the festival would set a new standard for its future hosting, explaining that, the festival, scheduled to take place from May 16 to 30, was expected to bring together top athletes, officials, and sports enthusiasts from across the country.
Hon. Isiaka reiterated government’s desire to leverage on sports to take social vices, drug abuse off the minds of the teeming youths, explaining that the current administration was looking at the possibility of establishing a sporting system, as a good foundation was being laid through the hosting of the National Sport Festival.
The Commissioner submitted that the festival was not just a sporting event, but an opportunity to foster youth engagement, drive sports development, and combat social vices, emphasising that the games’ broader goals extend beyond the competition itself, aiming to create a lasting impact on the s State’s sports landscape.
“We want to use sports as a tool for social change. We believe that by investing in sports, we can empower young people and help them reach their full potential. We’re not just hosting a tournament; we’re building a legacy. We are fully prepared. The facilities speak for themselves. We are working around the clock to ensure every necessary structure is in place. By the time the games begin, Ogun State will be more than ready”, he said.
Disu Ayobami &Dupe Odeniyi
Information and Public Relations Officers,Min. of Sport Development
JOHN FASHANU EULOGISES ABIODUN FOR TUNRNING AROUND SPORTING FACILITIES
Former England International of Nigerian descent, John Winton Fashanu, has eulogised the current administration in Ogun State for embarking on massive turnaround of sport and sporting facilities across the State, in preparation for the fast approaching National Sports Festival.
The ex-Aston Villa of England striker made this remark while on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, in his office, expressed his admiration for the Ogun State Government’s efforts in providing world-class sporting facilities ahead of the upcoming Gateway Games.
The legendary footballer who had illustrious careers with English clubs; Wimbledon, Nottingham Forest, Notts County, among others, expressed his excitement to be part of the festival, confirming his presence at the opening ceremony.
While emphasised his willingness to give back to the community, by leveraging his experience and expertise to inspire the next generation on athletes, as well as creating a world class academy to be linked to his academy in London, Fashanu praised the present administration for its commitment towards sports development, stating that the facilities put in place were testaments to the government’s dedication to nurturing young talents and promoting sports excellence.
The visit highlights the strong partnership between the State Government and sports stakeholders, as well as the government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for the development of sports.
With the National Sports Festival just around the corner, Fashanu’s visit was a boost to the State’s preparations and a testament to the quality of facilities and organization towards the Nigerian Olympics.
“I am here, because this is my State, I will make up for the lost time I was not here. There are clubs in the UK that are hungry for players in football, basketball, golf and swimmers. There is an enormous demand, and I am so pleased that I spoke with His Excellency and he has agreed to help me in my dream. What I see is a sports academy, named after Dapo Abiodun, where we can have all kinds of sports linked unto me in my big academy in London, where dreams can actually come true. It’s a win-win situation for State,” he said.
Responding to his neglect of the Super Eagles, the former Aston Villa forward noted that, “I don’t have any regrets not playing for Nigeria. I still get a bonus for playing for England, which is not applicable to ex-players in Nigeria. We have to give pensions to our retired players.
“Most of the Nigerian ex-players advised me to stay away from sport politics, I fought them, telling them that I want to be part of it, but I was wrong and they were right,” he revealed.
