As part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ogun State, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State chapter, has announced plans to honour Governor Dapo Abiodun, former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, and several other distinguished individuals and corporate organizations for their contributions to sports development and the growth of the state.
The awards ceremony, which is one of the highlight events of the Ogun @50 celebrations, is aimed at recognizing outstanding achievements, long-term commitment, and strategic support for sports and youth development within and outside the state.
According to the organizers, Governor Abiodun is being honoured for his administration’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure, athlete welfare, and the revitalization of major sporting facilities across Ogun State.
Under his leadership, the state has hosted several national and international sporting events, reinforcing its status as a major sports hub in Nigeria.
Also listed among the honourees is British-Nigerian boxing star, Anthony Joshua, whose roots trace back to Ogun State.
Joshua is being celebrated not only for his global achievements in boxing but also for serving as an inspiration to young athletes in the state and across the country.
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, will also be honoured for his role in sports administration and policy formulation, particularly his contributions to grassroots sports development and talent discovery.
Traditional institutions are not left out, as the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, is to receive an award in recognition of his support for sports, youth empowerment, and community development initiatives within his domain.
In the corporate category, Lafarge Africa Plc is among the awardees, having been recognized for its consistent corporate social responsibility initiatives and sponsorship of sports and community-based programmes in Ogun State.
Others listed for the awards includes; Chief Segun Patrick Odegbami, Chief Wale Edun, Tobiloba Amusan, Anthony Joshua, Sir Kesisngton Adebukola Adebutu, Kunle Solaja, Barr. Churchill Oliseh and others.
The recipients cut across sports, governance, traditional leadership, corporate institutions, media, and other sectors that have contributed to the development of sports and youth engagement in Ogun State.
The Chairman of the Planing Committee, Mr. Razaq Ayinla, Esq. explained that the awards are not merely ceremonial but are intended to encourage continued support for sports as a tool for social development, unity, and economic growth.
