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8,000 Athletes for Edo 2020 Festival- Minister

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The much postponed  Edo National  Sports Festival will go ahead as planned from  April 2nd- 14th with 8,000 athletes taking part, Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare has assured.

Speaking in Benin on Friday after undergoing a tour of facilities and a meeting with  Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Chief  Dare Said”  On April 2nd, 2021, the camp for the Edo Festival would be opened, on April 6th the official opening of the Festival by Mr. President would take place. But beyond that,  we are also working closely with the PTF, NCDC, and others to ensure that the necessary support we need in terms of vaccination of athletes, test kits will be available. We are also pruning down the number of athletes that would be participating from 14,000 to 8,000. I must thank the Governor and his Deputy Governor for taking the lead on this”

On accommodation of athletes, he said” We have been able to get the  University of Benin to host our athletes. There is still some work to be done here which may not be on the radar, but everything is on track I can tell you with certainty that the Edo National   Sports Festival will hold. After meeting with the Governor, His Excellence Godwin Obaseki, his Deputy Comrade Philip Shuaibu, we are reassured that we are on track to host a successful  National Sports Festival. All obstacles have been cleared, we are ready for a great festival. The event is coming at the most auspicious time when we are preparing for the Olympics. This is our local Olympics and we shall make the most of it. The President  has given his nod for the Festival  to take place, there’s  no going back”

The Festival billed for last year was postponed due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

The new February  date was also moved due to paucity  of funds.

Chief Dare had to make a special presentation to the President for funds to support Edo state after the Governor declared that the state lacked the resources to host the  Festival.

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Governor Dapo Abiodun Has Reawakened the Sleeping Giant in Sports in Ogun State, Says Hon. Bukola Olopade

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Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has stated that Ogun State is witnessing a transformative era in sports development under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, as the state prepares to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed “Ogun 2024.

Speaking about the governor’s achievements, Hon. Olopade stated, “Even before the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) was constituted, when Nilayo Sports Management bidded on behalf of Ogun State, it was evident Ogun was ready. During recent inspections, technical directors from various states applauded the facilities they saw. It was gratifying to know Ogun State’s readiness was evident.”

Reflecting on past challenges, the former commissioner for sports in Ogun, said the legacy he left after office was destroyed and sports looked doomed “until Governor Dapo Abiodun started reawakening the sleeping giant in sports.”

Governor Abiodun’s administration has prioritized youth empowerment through sports, focusing on grassroots promotion, infrastructure development and talent development. His vision for sports transcends mere entertainment, aiming to build an industry that empowers the youth and attracts investments to Ogun State.

Preparations for the National Sports Festival have been ongoing in the State, with massive renovations and constructions across the state. The MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta has seen its VIP section upgraded, the football pitch replaced, tracks have undergone refurbishment, and a brand-new swimming pool is being constructed.

Two state-of-the-art tennis courts and handball courts have been built to reduce reliance on the Abeokuta Sports Club facilities, while the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta has been undergoing comprehensive renovation.

Hon. Olopade emphasized the governor’s commitment to sustaining and advancing Ogun State’s sporting legacy. “Governor Abiodun’s investments in sports and youth empowerment are unparalleled. His administration has a clear vision to turn sports into a thriving industry, and the successful bid to host Ogun 2024 is a testament to his dedication.”

With the festival drawing closer, Ogun State’s commitment to excellence is evident. Governor Dapo Abiodun’s efforts have not only revived sports in the state but also laid the foundation for a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come.

Gateway Games 2024 has promises written all over it, to be a landmark event, showcasing the state’s readiness and Governor Abiodun’s transformative impact on sports development.

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