Odunlami Seun O – Abeokuta
The Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, has inaugurated Team Selection Committee for the 2024 National Sports Festival tagged “Gateway Games Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival”, the inauguration which took place on Friday June 14, 2024 at the sports council, Ijeja, Abeokuta was witnessed by stakeholders and members of committee for the “Gateway Games Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival”.
The Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, charged the newly inaugurated Team Selection Committee for the Gateway Games Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival to pick athletes based strictly on competence.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abeokuta, Mr. Isiaka said representation of the state at the biennial games code-named “Gateway Games 2024” must be devoid of sentiment or personal bias.
“The governor has mandated us to give every deserving athlete a chance to showcase their talents. Selection will be based on ability, not origin,” the Commissioner stated.
He tasked the Technical Sub-Committee to scout for talents from all 20 local government areas. “We have invested in grassroots sports development through facilities across the state. I want you to maximize this opportunity,” Mr. Isiaka noted.
The Commissioner also outlined the various supports provided by the Ogun State government which include cash rewards for medalists, sponsorship of athletes to international events and construction of sports infrastructure.
He announced that the Gateway Games 2024 will hold in Ogun from January 12-26, 2025, with the opening and closing ceremonies billed for January 15 and 25 respectively.
Hon. Isiaka expressed confidence that with a level-playing field in selection, Ogun athletes will excel in their events and uphold the state’s reputation in sports.
He thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun for his commitment and wished the committee success in their assignment of selecting the best athletes to represent Ogun State.
