Ogun State is set to rejuvenate its grassroots sports initiatives with a renewed commitment from the state government, as the 2024 Ogun State Sports Festival drew to a close on Saturday at the Sagamu International Stadium.

In his closing speech, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, the Commissioner for Sports Development, reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing Ogun State’s prominence in Nigeria’s sports sector. He underscored the festival's role in nurturing young talent and directing their energy towards both personal and state-wide progress.

Isiaka pointed out that this initiative aligns with earlier promises made by the government and addresses recommendations from various stakeholders, including the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ARHSPS) Ogun State. The ARHSPS had advocated for the festival’s revival in their 2019 publication, “Perspectives on Moving Ogun State Forward,” presented to Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The Commissioner announced that the revitalized festival will be instrumental in scouting and developing new talent from all local government areas, aiming to build a robust pool of athletes ready for national competitions. This approach marks a shift from recruiting athletes from other states.

In addition to the sports festival, the government is planning an annual event, tentatively named Gateway Unity Day, set to be held every February 3. This event will celebrate Ogun State’s creation in 1976 with a combination of sports, cultural displays, and community unity.

Isiaka assured that the Governor is working on ensuring the festival’s success, leveraging corporate sponsorships, and presenting Ogun State’s talents and cultural richness to a broader audience. He called on everyone to join in making the festival a historic success and highlighted that Ogun State will not only host but also actively participate in the upcoming National Sports Festival.

The 2024 Ogun State Sports Festival showcased a range of sports, including football, athletics, scrabble, chess, Ayo Olopon, as well as deaf and para-athletics. In the football category, Ijebu division clinched the championship with a 5-4 victory over Remo in a penalty shootout, while Egba secured third place with a 3-0 win over Yewa.