NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
Ahead of the 22nd NSF: Ogun Promises Smooth Transportation of Teams to Venues
To avoid delays in events, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has assured all 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 NSF, the Governor emphasised 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.
Governor 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 in staging a befitting sports festival,” he said.
To avoid delays in events, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has assured all 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 NSF, the Governor emphasized that shuttle buses would be provided from the games village at Babcock University to the different centers 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.
Governor 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 in staging a befitting sports festival,” he said.
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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has pledged to adopt and nurture outstanding athletes from the state during the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), which will take place from May 16 to 30.
Speaking during a parley with journalists in Abeokuta, the Governor emphasised that, just as the state supported the dreams of Commonwealth Games champion and world record holder Tobi Amusan, it will continue to support its athletes in their quest to become world beaters in their respective sports.
“We recognise that the NSF is a talent hunt platform, and in Ogun State, we are committed to identifying and nurturing talents to become world beaters.
“The Gateway State has produced several world-class athletes, and we will continue this tradition to produce more champions like Amusan for the country and the world at large,” he said.
Governor Abiodun also highlighted the life lessons that sports impart, describing sports as one of the major unifying factors in Nigeria. “Sports have united Nigeria more than anything else. Whenever a Nigerian team competes, the whole country rallies behind them, regardless of tribal affiliations. This NSF will be no exception in uniting the youth of this country,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the state’s contingent, the Governor added, “Our goal is not just to host the NSF, but to win more gold medals than other states this year.”
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BY JOHNKENNEDY UZOMA, OWERRI.
As the 22nd National Sports Festival—Gateway 2024—approaches its opening week in Ogun State, the Imo State Government has strongly urged its athletes to abstain from doping, reaffirming its commitment to clean and drug-free sports.
In a sensitisation workshop held on Thursday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Everestus Obinna Onyeocha, emphasised the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward drug use in sports.
He reiterated his administration’s dedication to promoting integrity and discipline among athletes.
“My government’s deep-rooted involvement in athletics underscores our zero-tolerance policy on doping. Our athletes must always strive to compete clean,” the Governor stated.
A former President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Governor Uzodimma, noted that substance abuse not only destroys careers but also tarnishes the image of the state. He stressed that with proper education and discipline, Imo athletes will continue to compete with honour and pride.
The event featured a collaboration with the Ibadan Botanical Doping Research Group from the University of Ibadan.
The team, led by Dr. (Mrs.) Peggy-Joe Olaseninde, highlighted the dangers of commonly used indigenous herbs and roots, warning that they could trigger positive doping results despite being natural.
“We are a team of researchers investigating Optotomous Botanical Supplement Doping, a term referring to the local herbs and roots widely consumed in our society,” Dr. Olaseninde explained.
“Many athletes believe avoiding known banned substances is enough, but some traditional herbs can also lead to positive tests. These are often synthesised into modern drugs, making their misuse risky.”
She praised the Imo State Government for its proactive approach and hoped the partnership would continue to promote awareness across the state.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Obonna Ezechukwu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drug Abuse Monitoring, reinforced the government’s hard stance against substance abuse. He noted that Imo remains the first state in the country to appoint a Special Adviser specifically focused on narcotics.
“The fight against dangerous substances is ongoing,” Ezechukwu said. “We welcome every initiative that helps protect our athletes and maintain the integrity of our sports programs.”
This initiative marks a significant step in ensuring that Imo athletes are not only well-prepared for competition but also well-informed about the risks associated with both conventional and traditional doping substances.
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NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
Gateway Games will be the launchpad for Sports Economy in Ogun, says Dapo Abiodun
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has emphasised that the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) will be more than just a sporting event; it will be a catalyst for establishing a vibrant sports economy in the state.
Ogun State will host the NSF from May 16 to 30, marking the second time the state has staged the multi-sports fiesta after hosting the 2006 edition.
Speaking on Tuesday, May 6, Governor Abiodun described the hosting of the NSF as a deliberate effort by his administration to build a robust sports economy, particularly through the upgrading of several sports facilities across the state.
“As a visionary government, we are always intentional about our actions. We have been working hard to ensure that the state continues to improve its infrastructure.
“The government has constructed several roads, and as the Gateway to the country, we want to ensure everything is in place for the state to thrive before deciding to bid for the NSF. When we won the bid, we didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of our undertaking, but with our progress so far, we realise we are on the right track for the state to lead while others follow.
“Ogun’s business circle will experience a bumper harvest during the event, with major hotels fully booked and petty traders making brisk business,” the Governor enthused.
“The founding fathers of the NSF intended to unite the country through the event, and we have embraced this vision, intending to ensure we benefit immensely from hosting the NSF.
“We have already started seeing these benefits even before the games have begun.
“Beyond infrastructure, we aim to use the NSF to boost our GDP by creating a sports economy around the facilities. We intend to make these facilities tourist attractions,” he said.
Governor Abiodun also assured all participating teams of adequate security and safety.
“In addition to robust security measures, this administration has provided shuttle buses to transport athletes to the venues of the sporting activities without delay,” he added.
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