In a significant step towards the successful hosting of the 22nd Edition of the National Sports Festival, themed GATEWAY GAMES OGUN 2024, the Federal Government has officially inaugurated the Main Organizing Committee (MOC).
This development was contained in a press statement signed by Mohammed Manga, the Director, Press and Public Relations on November 7, 2023, and forwarded to Truth Live News.
This event, scheduled for the coming year, will be held in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Truth Live News reports.
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, who presided over the inauguration ceremony held at his office in the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said that the formation of the MOC was a direct result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on May 6, 2023, between the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the Government of Ogun State. And this MOU, according to him, signalled the commencement of preparations for the Sports Festival.
Senator John Owan Enoh, who considers this development as a significant milestone in his tenure as the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, acknowledged the tremendous task of organizing the National Sports Festival.
He commended the commitment and dedication of the Ogun State Government and the caliber of individuals comprising the MOC, expressing his optimism that they are well-equipped to successfully organize the festival despite the tight schedule.
The Minister expressed concern over the heavy dependence on Federal and State Governments for funding the National Sports Festival, particularly given the large number of athletes, team officials, technical personnel, sports federation representatives, and service providers involved.
He emphasized that this trend is unsustainable.
Senator Owan Enoh noted that in line with global practices, sports sponsorship is no longer the sole responsibility of the government. Recognizing this reality, he highlighted the endorsement of the National Sports Industry Policy by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration. This policy aims to promote sports development, create employment opportunities for youth, alleviate poverty, and foster a peaceful and secure society for all Nigerians.
The Minister emphasized that sports is now recognized as a multi-billion-dollar business, successfully driven by the private sector worldwide. He expressed confidence that Nigeria can follow this model.
Senator John Owan Enoh urged the Main Organizing Committee to package the Festival in a way that attracts private sector sponsorship. He also appealed to sports enthusiasts, private and corporate organizations, and philanthropists to collaborate with the administration in developing sports in Nigeria.
In response, the Chairman of the MOC and Permanent Secretary overseeing the Federal Ministries of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country in this capacity. He assured that the committee would utilize their experience to ensure the Festival’s successful organization in line with the Federal Government’s objectives.
Furthermore, the Ogun State Commissioner of Sports, Mr. Wasiu Isiaka, affirmed the state’s readiness to ensure a successful hosting of the sports festival, unparalleled in recent times.
The Main Organizing Committee (MOC) includes notable individuals such as Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar (Chairman), Bukola Olapade (Vice Chairman), and other dedicated members who will collectively contribute to the successful execution of the event.
The Federal Ministry of Sports Development eagerly anticipates the forthcoming GATEWAY GAMES OGUN 2024 and encourages all stakeholders to support this initiative for the betterment of Nigerian sports.