By Adejoke Adeleye/Ogun
Ogun Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has inaugurated a 16-man Local Organising Committee, LOC, for the 17th National Sports Festival (NSF) to be hosted by the State in 2024.
While inaugurating the Committee, Gov. Abiodun assured that the State is prepared to surpass achievements recorded during the last edition of the festival that was held in 2006.
The inauguration was held at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The Governor disclosed that the State would put in place world-class sporting infrastructure and showcase the talent, culture, potential and the unique sense of hospitality of the people of the State.
He said, “we are determined to put in place a world-class sporting infrastructure across the length and breadth of the State, this underscoring our determination to ensure that we host a very befitting sports festival to the admiration of all stakeholders in the sector and around the world’’.
The Governor who noted that the National Sports Festival brings together the energy, and creativity of youths in the country, added that the hosting of the festival in Ogun was a testament to the commitment of his administration to empower the next generation by offering them the opportunity for growth and self-development.
Abiodun therefore urged members of the Committee to embrace the responsibility given to them with a deep sense of purpose, noting that attention to detail, effective planning and seamless execution would be the magic they would need to host a remarkable edition of the festival.
Speaking aerlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and a former Commissioner for Youths and Sports in the State, Mr. Bukola Olopade commended Governor Abiodun for bidding and winning the right to host the National Sports Festival.
He noted that Abiodun was the first governor in the country to ensure that all the athletes from its state at the last National Sports Festival in Delta State went home with a cash reward irrespective whether they won or lose in their events.
