The Governor of Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, has assured contingents, spectators, and residents of the state of maximum security at the forthcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) to be hosted by the state.
Abiodun gave the assurance during an interactive session with newsmen at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.
The governor guaranteed Nigerians that adequate security had been put in place to secure lives and property during the games, tagged ‘Gateway Games 2024’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the games were supposed to have been held in 2024 but were postponed for better preparations.
‘Besides this robust security, this administration has made provision for shuttle buses to transport sportsmen and women to the venue of the sporting activities without delay.
‘The Ogun Government has also refurbished the state-of-the-art sports facilities at various locations to make the event the best in the history of NSF’, he said.
According to the governor, this is the first time over ten thousand athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states, including the FCT, will be participating with the best of accommodation.
The state governor further said that an ex-international footballer, Segun Odegbami, had been appointed as the grand sports ambassador of the gateway state.
Speaking on the economic benefits to the state, Abiodun stated that the state government would use the opportunity to build a sports economy for the state.
‘Ogun business circle would experience bumper harvest during the event, as major hotels would be fully booked while all the petty traders would also make brisk business’, he said.
NAN reports that the biennial multi-sports event, the 22nd edition, will run from 16 to 30 May.
It is expected to bring thousands of athletes across Nigeria together to celebrate sportsmanship, national unity, and sporting excellence.
Over 800 athletes will represent Ogun in various sporting activities across selected venues in Abeokuta and other selected locations within the state.
