The Founder and President, Tokunbo Ladeinde Memorial Foundation, Oladiran Otegbade, has congratulated Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun on his 65th birthday and six years in office.
He expressed satisfaction with Abiodun’s leadership and sterling qualities.
A statement by Otegbade argued Abidoun, in the last six years, has laid down unforgettable legacies that would outlive many generations across the state, all of which are testaments to his good works.
According to him, Ogun has witnessed significant and undeniable development and as well as improved general well-being of residents.
Otegbade described the Governor as God-fearing leader and mentor whose sixty-five years on earth have been a reflection of a man after God’s heart, like the biblical David.
The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, for remitting all the National Housing Fund (NHF) deduction arrears of the workers in the state.
The Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, FMBN, Mr. Ibidapo Odojukan, made the commendation when he led the management team of the bank on a courtesy visit to the office of the Head of Service, as part of its zonal meetings in the South West.
Odojukan said the bank was appreciative of the Ogun State Government’s efforts in offsetting the backlogs of the deductions, which emphasizes the welfare of citizens.
“We are appreciative of the state government’s efforts, particularly in remitting all the NHF deduction arrears we have had for a while in Ogun State.
“It expresses to us that Ogun State has a commitment to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the value we put on the table for all citizens nationwide. Particularly, the value that the Ogun State Government places on its citizens cannot be overemphasized,” Mr. Odojukan said.
He noted that the remittance indicated a robust relationship between the government and the FMBN, adding that a lot of interface and interactions are ongoing to further strengthen the already existing partnership.
Odojukan added that one of the products offered by the bank is the renovation scheme, which has assisted many beneficiaries in completing their houses.
Responding, the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, described the bank as a veritable tool for meeting the housing needs of the people, adding that the strong antecedents and pedigree of the financial institution have ensured its meaningful contributions to the growth of the economy through integrated housing schemes.
Onasanya affirmed that the Ogun State Government has successfully cleared the backlog of remittances of the National Housing Scheme, which will enable workers to take significant steps towards either building or acquiring their own homes.
He, however, solicited the partnership and collaboration of the FMBN on the hectares of land acquired for workers at Ijemo/Onisela villages along the Abeokuta/Kobape highway, pointing out that efforts are in an advanced stage to ensure the allocation of plots to various categories of workers, which will be the first phase of the site and service scheme, christened ‘Prince Dapo Abiodun Bureaucrats’ Estate.’
He reiterated the commitment of the government to affordable housing as outlined under the Social Welfare and Wellbeing of the ISEYA mantra of the administration, with over 4,000 houses already delivered for medium and upper-income earners in the state.
Today, to the glory of Almighty God, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun (MFR, CON) is 65, and exactly six years in office as the fifth democratically elected Governor. The road has been rough but grace has made the difference, so let the drums release great rhythms and let the music play on in praise of, the God of all creation the One who daily loads us with benefits. In all ramifications, Dapo Abiodun’s story exemplifies that of the proverbial man people said could not build a hut, but who has now built a giant edifice. A child of destiny born in 1960 when Nigeria obtained independence, and specifically on May 29, a day now set aside to mark freedom from military rule and signpost freedom and liberty, Dapo Abiodun is a change agent whose story is intertwined with Nigeria and Ogun State’s destiny.
He was elected in 2019, but that wasn’t the first time he had aspired to occupy the Oke Mosan Governor’s Office. In 2002, he and Chief Gbenga Daniel contested for the governorship ticket. He came second but 17 years later, the divinely appointed hour, which we know never ever fails, arrived. And now looking back at the last six years, there is a lot to be thankful for. The Gateway State, Nigeria’s industrial capital, is now Nigeria’s investment destination of choice as the Iperu-born prince daily attracts business from around the world, making the state a giant construction site. Instructively, a prime political organization like the Southern Governors Forum also found him worthy to lead it, and he has been speaking for it and the zone. He is also arguably one of the staunchest defenders of President Bola Tinubu’s policies, pointing to Nigeria’s freedom from IMF debt peonage. He is extremely passionate about his mission and vision, and the future of Ogun State.
As Prince Abiodun turns 65, the land is basking in the transformations that have taken place. Ogun people, as the world saw during the Opening Ceremony of the ongoing National Sports Festival, can hold up their heads in pride, knowing that they have in Oke Mosan a man who truly cares, and who daily makes the state a business haven. As scholars of leadership have been keen to point out, great leaders lead by example, set clear vision and direction, communicate effectively, foster a positive culture, make informed decisions, enable others to grow, embrace change and innovation, and demonstrate emotional intelligence. Fully persuaded that leadership is problem solving, Dapo Abiodun has focused on social transformation in Ogun State. He recognizes that global change agents, including South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, who promoted racial reconciliation and national unity and addressed poverty, inequality, and social injustice, and China’s Deng Xiaoping, who introduced market-oriented economic reforms, opening up the country to foreign investment and trade, did not achieve landmarks attending to demented opposition figures.
He looks up to people like Franklin D. Roosevelt who, while confronted with the Great Depression, implemented the New Deal covering social security, unemployment insurance, and Japan’s Shinzo Abe, who achieved women’s empowerment and labour market reforms; not forgetting, above all, our own Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who led an educational and healthcare revolution, promoted economic growth through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and industry, and championed social justice. He is strictly focused on the people’s mandate. After all, as John C. Maxwell says, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”
The Ogun State helmsman did not win the 2021 Best State Governor with the Most Improved State in Security Infrastructure (Business Day Newspaper), 2020 Best Governor in Agriculture (Nigerian Agriculture Awards), 2022 Best Governor in Infrastructure in the South-West (Nigeria Union of Journalists), the 2022 Forbes Award as the Best of Africa Governor in Industrial Revolution, or the 2023 Best Governor in Housing Delivery (Nigerian Housing Award) toying with the Ogun people’s mandate. He priotitises critical thinking and self-discovery, and is a compassionate leader who epitomizes the Greek philosopher Socrates’ submission that “He who wishes to serve as a leader must, first of all, understand the souls of his followers.”
Before him there was no Gateway International Airport and the Olokola Free Trade Zone was dead. But the music has changed. With over 1,200 kilometers of road spread across the state, Dapo Abiodun has shown that he means business. Go to the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway; Obantoko Road (Fajol-American Junction-Unity Estate-Gbonagun); Idi-Aba-Elite-Oke Lantoro; Ikoritameje-Adenrele (Olose Titun Vespa); Panseke-Adigbe; City Gate Monument Development Flyover Bridge, Kuto; Arepo road, Somorin-Kemta-Idi Aba; Olusegun Osoba-Toyin Agbado, Yakoyo Bridge to Mr. Biggs section along Akute; Owode-Siun.There are also the Oru-Awa-Ilaporu-Ibadan expressway; Molipa-Asafa Isale-Ayegu-Ojofa; Asafa Oke-Fusigboye-Ojofa Street; Oba Erinwole road, Sagamu; Awujale road, Ejinrin-Idowa-Awa-Ibefun-Itoikin; Ijebu Ode-Epe-Sagamu-Benin Interchange Flyover Bridge; Esure-Ijebu Mushin road; Ogbagba Street, Ijebu Ode; Molusi College road, Ijebu Igbo; Ilishan Market road; Iperu Roundabout-Ode; and the Sagamu Junction-Iperu Roundabout. Go to Ibooro-Imasayi-Igan Okoto-Ayetoro road (Phase 1) in Yewa North, Ikola-Navy-Osi Ikola; Raypower; Joju, Sango; Ilashe-Koko-Alari; Oke Ola, Imeko; Tollgate-Singer GRA, Ota; Ilaro-Iwoye (Phase 1); Iwoye-Owode Yewa Secondary School road, (Phase2); Owode Yewa Secondary School-Owode Yewa Junction road (Phase 3), and see wonders. But here’s the big story: there’s far more to come.
There is no space to talk about the N50 million Ijebu Development Initiative for Poverty Reduction (Eriwe) introduced to develop the fish subsector and the empowerment of over 40,000 agripreneurs in cassava cultivation, or the distribution of motorcycles to extension agents to reach farmers in remote areas; the 20,000-hectare rice farmland in Yewa; the Ogun State Teaching Experience Acquisition Channel (Ogun TREACH) that brought on board 5000 interns, with 1000 transitioned to permanent teachers; the over N3.5 billion disbursed through EDUCASH to assist students and their parents, with 150, 000 students benefitting the full accreditation secured for the first time in 45 years and the upgrade of the Ogun State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery to collegiate status; the inaugurated Sexual Therapy and Assaults Referral Centre in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH); the Family Planning Centre at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode; or the Ogun Free Surgical Intervention Programme that has benefited more than 2000 people since its launch.
Hear Governor Abiodun, speaking when officials of the Foreign Investment Network (FIN), a United Kingdom-based investment scout that drives Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Africa and other developing economies, gave Ogun State a massive thumbs-up for the FDI attracted so far: “We have built the best-equipped airport in Nigeria, and this airport is centrally located. We have adopted a multimodal transport system that incorporates air, road, sea, and rail lines. We are extending a rail line that stopped at Agbado to Ogun State.” The investment portfolios are many: the April 2022 $400m investment by a foreign firm, Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, on the development of Olokola Free Trade Zone and Remo Agro Processing Zone; the over $500 investment by a steel conglomerate, African Industries Group; the Canadian Government’s pledged investment in the agricultural and technological sectors of the Ogun economy in May 2023 and the July 2024 South Africa-Nigeria Business Chamber’s pledged aggressive investment drive for Ogun State; the $500 million investment by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance power infrastructure in Ogun State; the $300 million investment by the Chinese company, Inner Galaxy Steel Company Ltd, to establish a new steel plant for the production of specialised steel products in Ogun State; the October 2024 establishment of a $5 million battery recycling plant by a British company; the investment by Codix Bio Pharmaceutical Company, a pharmaceutical outfit that specializes in the production of medication kits for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and heart-related diseases; the $400 million hot rolled coiled steel factory in Ewekoro; the Special Agro-Cargo Processing Zone created by President Tinubu to serve the airport as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), located very close to airport, etc.
Posterity will never forget Prince Abiodun: he has written his name in history and it will outlive him. The silent achiever and peace and conflict resolution advocate who has led Ogun State on the path of peace for the last six years and contributed to inter and intraparty stability deserves plaudits. May the Almighty God continues to bless and keep him in the years to come. Happy Birthday to the People’s Governor.
Akinmade is Special Adviser, Information and Strategy to Ogun State Government.
The of Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed his admiration for the talent and sportsmanship on display during his whistle stops at several events’ venues hosting the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games Ogun 2024.
Yesterday, Abiodun first stopped by the Alake Sports Centre where he watched thrilling male and female volleyball matches. He praised the athletes for their energy and skill, describing the performances as ‘truly inspiring’.
His tour continued at the Ijeja venue, where he observed gymnastics, table tennis, and handball events. The governor commended the young competitors for their determination and exceptional abilities, noting the strong spirit of healthy competition throughout the games.
A highlight of the day was the governor’s visit to the MKO Abiola International Stadium, where he witnessed exhilarating athletic races. He also had the honour of presenting the gold medal to Team Ogun for their outstanding victory in the 4x400m Mixed Relay race.
“It was a proud and unforgettable moment for us all,” Abiodun remarked, celebrating the athletes’ achievements and reinforcing the state’s commitment to nurturing sporting excellence.
Meanwhile, a sports enthusiast and community leader, Otunba Nurudeen Alowonle, has lauded Prince Dapo Abiodun, for delivering an exceptional National Sports Festival in Nigeria’s history.
Alowonle in a statement commended Abiodun’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to sports development. He noted that the Gateway Games Ogun 2024 not only showcased Nigeria’s finest talents but also reinforced Ogun State’s reputation as a hub for sporting excellence.
“This year’s festival is a testament to what can be achieved with proper planning, investment, and passion for sports.
“Governor Abiodun has set a new benchmark for future editions of the National Sports Festival,” Alowonle stated.
The event being held at various venues across Abeokuta and other parts of Ogun State, featured over 15 sporting disciplines, including athletics, football, basketball, boxing, and traditional sports. Athletes competed fiercely, with several new national records set in track and field events.
Beyond the competitions, the festival served as a melting pot of cultures, bringing together Nigerians from different states in a celebration of sportsmanship and national pride.
Earlier, Governor Abiodun has emphasized the importance of sports as a tool for youth empowerment and social cohesion.
“The Gateway Games 2024 is not just about winning medals; it is about inspiring our youth, promoting healthy living, and strengthening the bonds that unite us as a nation,” he said.
The successes being recorded in the ongoing festival has been attributed to the state government’s significant investments in sports infrastructure, including the renovation of the MKO Abiola Stadium and the construction of new training facilities. Additionally, the event received praise for its efficient logistics, top-notch security arrangements, and vibrant opening and closing ceremonies, which featured performances by renowned Nigerian artists.
Alowonle, who has been a long-time advocate for grassroots sports development, expressed optimism that the Gateway Games would leave a lasting legacy.
“This festival has shown that Nigeria can host world-class sporting events. I hope other states will take a cue from Ogun State’s example,” he remarked.
As the curtains draws closer to the Gateway Games 2024, athletes, officials, and fans alike are already looking forward to the next edition, with many hailing this year’s event as a golden chapter in Nigeria’s sports history.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said the appointment of Dr. Charles Akinola as the managing director of Southwest Development Commission (SWDC), by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a testament to his exceptional qualifications and unwavering commitment to the development of Southwest.
Akinola, a former Chief of Staff to ex-Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola, according to Prince Abiodun in a statement by his Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, would bring his wealth of experience and proven track record of leadership to drive the commission and make its impact felt across the region.
The governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the choice of Dr. Akinola to manage the affairs of the commission.
“Akinola’s deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Southwest will guide the commission toward achieving its goals of sustainable development, economic growth and social progress.
“Under his stewardship, we anticipate innovative initiatives that will enhance infrastructure, promote investment and improve the quality of life in the region.
“By appointing a leader of Dr. Akinola’s calibre, President Tinubu demonstrates his commitment to empowering the Southwest and ensuring that it plays a vital role in the nation’s development narrative,” the statement said.
The Board of Trustees of South West Development Association (SOWEGA), has commended the Ogun State Government and Governor Dapo Abiodun on hosting the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway games Ogun 2024.
Dr. Babatunde Olokun, who heads the association, described sports as veritable vehicle for youth development and hailed the governor for
“Sports is a vehicle for youth development. We commend Governor Dapo Abiodun for harnessing the opportunity of bringing this sport event to our state for the benefit of not only the youths of the state but also of the country.
“This initiative underscores the importance accorded sports, which is vital to nation-building, promoting youth development, and fostering national unity.
“Ogun State is contributing to the growth of talented athletes and promoting a healthier and more active society,” Olokun added.
He said by hosting the event, which is expected to see athletes from across the country gather the state for epic sports festival, the government will showcase the potential of the Gateway state to the world as well as its capabilities in hosting major sporting events.
“On the whole, this is a commitment to promoting sports and youth development in particular and nation-building in, general,” he stated.
Highlighting the objectives of SOWEGA, which was formed in 2012 and successfully hosted public sports events in 1995 and 2012, particularly the maiden Ogun 2021 Local Olympics, tagged SOWEGA OGUN 2021, Olokun stated that the private sector initiative aims to complement the government’s efforts in youth Development to position sports as the special purpose vehicle (SPV) for achieving zonal development and deepen the integration of people of the zone.
Also according to him, it provides a constant avenue for inculcating the intrinsic value of sportsmanship into the youth of the zone; provides the spirit of leadership, teamwork, and value of striving to achieve set goals.
He added that it is also an avenue of meeting aspirations through hard work and also enables the youth to display sports talents that may be economically viable to them in the world of sports professionalism.
To avoid delays in events, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured contingents to the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) of smooth transportation to event venues across the state.
With more than five venues hosting various events during the Gateway Games 2024,the Governor emphasized that shuttle buses would be provided from the games’ village at Babcock University to the different centres across the state to ensure the timely commencement of events.
“We understand the importance of ensuring prompt starts for all events. To avoid delays, we will provide sufficient shuttle buses to transport teams to their respective venues across the state. All 10,000 athletes will be well catered for during the games, and these shuttle buses must operate on schedule,” he said.
Abiodun also assured contingents, spectators, and residents of maximum security, guaranteeing that adequate measures have been put in place to secure lives and property during the games, tagged “Gateway Games 2024.”
He specifically praised the support from the private sector, which has significantly contributed to the state’s preparations for the games.
“I must acknowledge the private sector’s support, which has come in various forms, ranging from gold to silver sponsorships. This support is ongoing because the government cannot do it alone. I also want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support towards staging a befitting sports festival,” he said.
At his boisterous mood inside the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre directly opposite his office on Tuesday’s afternoon, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun gave a rare insight on why the state has deployed huge investments towards hosting the 22nd National Sports Festival to be held in Abeokuta and other sporting centres in Ogun State. Sports Editor, MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN who was in the audience, captures the highlights of the proceedings…
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun believes the huge capital deployed towards hosting the 22nd National Sports Festival in the state would on the long run bring significant returns not only to individuals but the ‘economic prosperity for the entire state’, adding the state is poised to hold the best National Sports Festival.
The 22nd National Sports Festival otherwise known as Gateway Games Ogun 2024, will run between May 16th and 30th in Abeokuta and other adjoining sports centres in Ogun State .
The National Sports Festival, a premier sporting event in the country is a platform for celebrating athletic excellence and unity among diverse communities as well as an opportunity for emerging and established athletes to showcase their talents on the national stage.
Recognizing the potential of the National Sports Festival to inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts and foster camaraderie, Governor Abiodun displayed an immense pride as he defended the rationale behind the state hosting the event for the second time after its first fine effort in 2006.
“What the sport festival stands for ties into our vision and we thought we should make a bid for it,” Prince Abiodun, the 16th Governor of the ‘Gateway’ State stated at an interactive session this week at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre in Abeokuta. “We put our best foot forward and following the National Sports Festival in Delta State, we were accorded the right to host this sport festival which is the 22nd National Sports Festival.
“Ours (Gateway 2024) should have been the 26th edition but there were some years it (the National Sports Festival) wasn’t held.”
Governor Abiodun, said the fact that Ogun State is strategically located was an opportunity to broaden its horizon with provision of infrastructural facilities and enabling environment in order to explore all possibilities at ensuring economic prosperity for the entire state
He continued: “Ogun state is a very unique state, a state that cannot be compared to other states. We are the gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity. We are geographically located, we are the only neighbour that Lagos State has. We are the closest to the financial capital of Nigeria. This comparative advantage means you can’t go from Lagos or to any other part of Nigeria either by land, sea or air without going through Ogun State.
“This singular comparative advantage and competitive advantage, has defined us as a people and this is embedded in the success of this administration. When he assumed office, we looked at the state and said we must reflect this advantage. Beside our vision, to provide a focused and qualitative government whilst creating an enabling environment for partnership.
“This was our vision at creating the enabling environment as well as an institution that upholds the tenets of good governance. Believing that by doing this it will translate to economic prosperity for the entire State.”
According to Prince Abiodun, hosting the National Sports Festival was an opportunity to equally invest in infrastructure development, enhanced sporting facilities and provide an enabling environment that will not only benefit the athletes participating in the festival but the state’s economy well-being as well as elevating the standard of sports at the grassroots level throughout the state.
“Recognising the fact that we are the closest to the largest consumer market in Africa as well as having the longest border with Benin Republic, Osun State, Oyo State and Ondo State, we set out with our vision and mission (of transforming the state’s economy,” Governor Abiodun continued, adding the vision was embedded in the state’s famous anthem. “To implement a vision we must have verticals or pillars in place so that we can measure how well we’ve done through these. And we call those verticals ISEYA: Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Education, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation and Accountability.
“To begin the implementation of our vision, we have all these advantages but if you are not easily accessible then it’s bad. We embarked on multi-modern transportation plan. Meaning that you can connect to the state by roads, rails, the sea and the air. It gave rise to the construction of our Gateway Plan.”
Prince Abiodun further affirmed that under his watch, there has been improved inter-state and intra cities connections in terms of transportation while security has drastically and systematically improved, adding :“No business can thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“When you look at the combination of providing infrastructure and security, the policy framework is to improve business activities in Ogun State and today, we are struggling to cope with the number of investors that are flooding our state.”
Unprecedented Gateway Games Ogun 2024
Having done with the nitty-gritty of running the state, it was therefore for all to see that the Prince Abiodun-led Ogun State Government means business with the transformation of the MKO Abiola Stadium to a sporting complex complete with Olympic size swimming pool, tennis courts, handball courts and upgrade of other sporting centres within the Abeokuta metropolis.
“This Gateway Games Ogun 2024 will be the benchmark for the National Sports Festival in Nigeria,” a confident Prince Abiodun stated. “We are very deliberate about it (hosting the National Sports Festival) and I’m sure you know I go from private sector value to the most of my team members.
“We have developed infrastructures, improved massively on security, and other areas, then we moved onto tourism and also sports.
“We are aware that sport unite the people despite our various differences. Again, we are trying to set good standards and wants this National Sports Festival, Gateway Games Ogun 2024, holding in 2025 to be the benchmark in the history of the National Sports Festival in the country.
“The LOC and government have been working day and night to put finishing touches to our preparations. I can boldly say that ‘we are ready’.
Things are well thought-out from the outset like it was done in Paris for Olympic Games and this is reflected in the quality of our planning for this games. All the I’s and t’s will be dotted until he will be crossed the finishing line.”
In what would be the first time in the history of the National Sports Festival, Prince Abiodun said all arrangements have been made to accommodate all athletes competing at the games will be accommodated in the same place in order to boost the camaraderie amongst the assemblage of youths from all over the country.
“ The athletes, about 10,000 of them, will be accommodated together at the Babcock University where they will be fed and catered for their welfare, health and overall well-being,” he continued. “Everything would be well planned and it will be like a choreography.
“ They will leave at specified times, come together and arrive at various locations at the time to ensure the athletes present themselves for their events on time.”
Behold MKO Abiola Sports Complex
Undoubtedly, one thing that the Ogun State Governor is already proud of about this forthcoming fiesta is the quality of the sporting facilities as he enthused that the MKO Abiola Stadium would be officially renamed as the MKO Abiola Sports Complex to reflect its current status.
He said: “Of Course, we are going to officially rename the MKO Abiola Stadium to MKO Abiola Sports Complex to justify the enormous work that had been carried out all because of the National Sports Festival. “ I think that is justifiable because what we had before was just a pitch and track. But today, it’s a brand new world class pitch, brand new scoreboards, digital lightings. Aside, we now have an Olympic size swimming pool, warm up pool, tennis court, basketball, handball, all what deserve to turn this stadium into a sporting complex.
“ Of course, we are not just planning to host and I believe that no state wants to just host but to win , but on our own part we are going to be governed by the Olympic spirit
“ The joy is not just in winning, joy is hosting this for all the right reasons but of course, we are going to aim for more.”
Sports Economy
Indeed, Ogun State Government is aiming for more beyond the Gateway Games Ogun 2024 hence the appointment of former Nigeria International and erstwhile Green Eagles’ captain, Segun Odegbami, as the Grand Sports Ambassador of Ogun State.
Prince Abiodun said ‘Mathematical’ Odegbami was so named as the state’s Grand Sports Ambassador in order ‘to help us maximise the sports economy’, adding the cerebral former Chairman of Gateway Football Club of Abeokuta, has ‘already given us the template of the Amsterdam Arena, which we intend to replicate at the MKO Abiola Stadium’.
Incidentally, the state’s Commissioner of Sports, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, had earlier told NationSport during an on the spot assessment of the facilities that, Abeokuta and indeed Ogun State would not be the same again post Gateway Games 2024.
“The legacies of this sports festival are many,” Isiaka ins his usual calm mien explained. “We are not just putting all these facilities in place for people to come and compete and go rather we want to use this opportunity to reignite the love for sports in our state.
“ This Gateway Games Ogun 2024 is a means to revive the sporting system and it’s going to have a multiplier effects on the long run.
“ Already as a result of the world-class facilities at the MKO Abiola Stadium, we are going to host the U-18 and U-20 African Athletics Championships in July. Of course, so many other events would come and as we do this, we are going to boost the sports economy of the state,” he added.
Ogun State has indeed laid a solid foundation for sporting excellence and we have to prepare and witness the excitement and energy that the Gateway Games Ogun 2024 promises.
Let the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games Ogun 2024 begin…
Governor Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration has intensified efforts to provide basic infrastructure and create a conducive business environment in Ogun State,
The governor noted that more industries have flocked to the state in six years than in previous administrations
Abiodun noted that Ogun is one of the six states where Special Agro Processing Zones were created in the country in collaboration with the Federal Government, African Development Bank, African Export-Import Bank, and Islamic Bank, adding that his administration decided to partner with private sector players for the prompt take-off of the zone.
Abiodun made these remarks while receiving the Distinguished Visionary Leadership Award by the Foreign Investment Network (FIN) for his unique leadership style and untiring efforts in opening up more business frontiers in the state at his office in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor said that apart from establishing a Business Environment Council to act in collaboration with the State Investment and Facilitation Agency as a one-stop shop, tax payment has been computerized to eliminate multiple taxations for ease of doing business.
He said: “This administration has improved the transportation sector by constructing over 1,200 kilometers of roads in six years. We have built the best-equipped airport in Nigeria, and this airport is centrally located.
“We have adopted a multimodal transport system that incorporates air, road, sea, and rail lines. We are extending a rail line that stopped at Agbado to Ogun State,” he said.
While calling on investors to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that abound in agriculture, power generation, manufacturing, and other sectors, the state helmsman urged the Foreign Investment Network (FIN) to intensify efforts in showcasing the state’s potential to the outside world and assured that the organization would be involved in planning the proposed State Economic Summit to make it a grand event.
Earlier, while presenting the Distinguished Visionary Leadership Award to the governor when she led a business delegation to the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Chairperson of the organization, Dr. Olayinka Fayomi, said the state had witnessed tremendous economic development in the last six years of the administration.
Students under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association Of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) have applauded the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, over the standard of facilities put in place in preparation for the forthcoming National Sports Festival scheduled to be hosted by the state.
In a jointly signed statement by Chairman, NANS Ogun and National President of NAOSS, Francis Gabriel and Thomas Kehinde, respectively, in Abeokuta, the student bodies noted that the upgrade of sports facilities and construction of new ones by the state government at the MKO International Stadium and Alake Sports Complex in Abeokuta, indicated the seriousness and preparedness by the state.
They described the facilities, especially the newly constructed swimming pool at the MKO Stadium as ‘world class’, saying that the state government has raised the bar for the hosting of the sports festival .
They said that though Ogun hosted the national sports fiesta in 2006, the level of preparation currently being put in place to host another edition in the state is highly commendable.
The NANS and NAOSS leaders further lauded Governor Abiodun-led administration for the synergy with the private entities such as the Babcock University and Remo Stars Football Club towards hosting a successful sports festival.
They expressed optimism that with the top-notch facilities put in place by the state government, the Gateway Games 2025 will be one of the greatest sports festivals in the annals of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the student bodies in the statement, appealed to Governor Abiodun to include leadership of NANS and NAOSS to be part of the local organising committee as representatives of students of Ogun extraction.
They said this will give the students a sense of belonging and a rare opportunity to participate in the organisation of the sports festival.
The students urged the state government to use the opportunity of the sports facilities to further grow sports locally with the aim of discovering more sports talents for the state.
