The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to hosting a befitting National Sports Festival in January 2025.
The Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, gave the assurance on Saturday in Abeokuta at the 2024 Abeokuta 10-kilometre race organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML).
Salako-Oyedele expressed the government’s resolve to continue to develop the sports sector through the Public Private Partnership initiative of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration.
The Deputy Governor, who commended the organisers of the road race led by Mr. Bukola Olopade for sustaining the race which started in 2019, assured that government will always welcome initiatives that put the “Gateway State” on the world map positively.
She also expressed confidence that the forthcoming National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games 2024 will be a huge success with Mr. Olopade as the Chairman, Local Organising Committee.
“The Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 2024 National Sports Festival,” she stated. “This is a square peg in a square hole, he has done a lot and we can guarantee that he will do more when it comes to giving us the best National Sports Festival in Nigeria.
“I am sure the Gateway Games 2024 will be one of the best and most talked about sporting events in Nigeria for years to come,” Salako-Oyedele concluded.
The Deputy Governor congratulated participants of the Abeokuta 10km race, and said the government will continue to encourage the private sector investment in the sports sector towards building the youths and engaging them meaningfully, as well as creating a path to maintain a healthy living.
