Hon. Wale Sodehinde, Project Director of the National Transporters Game, shared insights during a stadium inspection with national transporter leaders in Sagamu and Ikenne. He emphasized that the upcoming one-week event aims to foster unity among transporters in Nigeria, Africa, and globally.
The inspected venues include Gateway International Stadium in Sagamu, Remo Star Stadium in Ikenne, owned by Hon. Kunle Soname, and the National Youth Service Corps Camp in Sagamu for participant accommodations.
Sodehinde highlighted the primary goal of the event: to reshape and enhance the image of Nigerian transporters. He acknowledged the role of Engr. Dayo Ogundipe, who first conceived the idea in 2017, and former Senator of Ogun West, Senator Gbolahan Dada. The project received initial endorsement from former Sports Minister Mr. Solomon Selcap Dalung, who recommended staging the event within two years. Although delays occurred, the inaugural National Transporters Game is now scheduled for October 2024.
“Our objective is to transform the narrative surrounding Nigerian transporters,” Sodehinde said. “With the support of figures like Hon. Kunle Soname and other philanthropists, we aim to establish a tradition similar to the Olympics, promoting unity, love, and growth among those who drive Nigeria’s economy.”
The game, set for October 20th-26th, 2024, will involve various sports, including football (with 23 players per union), Ayo Olopon (4 players), athletics (12 participants: 8 male, 4 female), draft (4 players), swimming, and table tennis (2 male and 2 female per event). An estimated budget of ₦142.5 million has been allocated for the event.
Sodehinde encouraged participating unions to educate their members about the game and emphasized the need for a peaceful and collaborative atmosphere. A general uniform will be available for fundraising purposes, and sponsorships are being sought to reduce financial burdens on the unions.
The event will be an annual occurrence, with potential future editions in various regions across Nigeria. Currently, 8 out of 12 expected transport unions have confirmed their participation, with hopes that more will join as the event gains visibility.
Union leaders responded positively, expressing support for the initiative. Prince Ganiu Salami, National Deputy President of the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners, promised to secure sponsorships, while Comrade Soneye Tunde from the Nigeria Association of Miner Workers praised the initiative’s potential to unify and highlight strengths within the transport sector.
Engr. Murtala Bamidele, PRO of the Motorcycles Owners Union of Nigeria, highlighted the game’s benefits for work-life balance and overall health. The Assistant Secretary General of the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers also commended the organizers and confirmed the union’s readiness to participate.