By Abimbola Bamgbose
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has appointed the former Nigerian International Footballer, Mr Segun Odegbami, as the Grand Sports Ambassador of the Gateway State.
Governor Abiodun made the announcement while receiving members of the Guild of Sports Editors at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
He noted that the appointment was in recognition of Chief Odegbami’s immense contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria.
The governor also revealed that the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” will be hosted by Ogun State from May 16 to May 30 2025.
He emphasized that the festival is expected to be the best in the history of the event, with a major focus on talent discovery and the promotion of sporting excellence both in the state and across the country.
Governor Abiodun stated that the state government has invested heavily in state-of-the-art sports facilities across various locations to ensure a memorable experience for all participants.
For the first time in the history of the National Sports Festival, over 10,000 athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, will be accommodated in a single location.
He added that adequate transportation logistics, including shuttle buses, have been arranged to ensure smooth movement of athletes and officials to various venues. In addition, comprehensive security measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property throughout the festival.
Speaking on the economic impact of the event, Governor Abiodun said the festival presents an opportunity to build a robust sports economy for the state.
He noted that local businesses, especially hotels and small-scale traders, are expected to enjoy significant patronage during the games.
The governor called on media professionals to support the state government through extensive coverage of the event, assuring them of the government’s readiness to collaborate with the media to ensure a successful hosting.
In his response, Mr Segun Odegbami expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for the honor and pledged to use his new role to further promote sports development in Ogun State.
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