The economy of Ogun State has increased tremendously since the National Sports Festival, tagged ‘Gateway Games’ began.
This disclosure was made by the Director General, National Sports Commission,NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade at the media Centre of the National Sports Festival, situated at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta Ogun State.
Hon Olopade, who is the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) of the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF), stated that the festival has had a tremendous impact on the local economy of Abeokuta and its environs. The DG further added that as a result of the influx of people into the state, the Adire fabric which the state is known for—is presently selling out, that has made demand to be more than supply.
The former Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State, further, said the Local Organizing Committee, has deliberately spred the games’ across different venues MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, Alake Sports Complex Ijeja, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, and the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Sagamu.
On complaints by state contingents and Administrators about that the dispersed arrangements which has hampered athletes from performing optimally, Hon. Olopade believes the festival has not only provided opportunities to upgrade sports and physical infrastructure but also affected the local economy positively.
“Many of you know that sports business is my expertise, and I can assure you that the local economy is feeling the impact of the sports festival as we speak. I have been informed reliably that Adire, which is our cultural export, has gone out of stock in Abeokuta.
Hon Olopade, said “Imagine the volume of business it entails to wipe out the stock”.
He further added that no fewer than 300 small and medium-scale enterprises have taken up spaces within and around the stadium to conduct brisk business, even as hotels are fully booked because of the influx of contingents from other states”.
According to the DG, NSC, about 9,940 athletes and officials were initially registered for the event. However, disclosed that no fewer than 11,000 participants—either as athletes or officials—have so far registered their presence in the state because of the festival.
He also noted that the economic impact is not limited to Abeokuta, the state capital but other parts of the state.
“Go to Babcock University, where we have both accommodations and some other sporting functions for the festival. There are many businesses springing up on a daily basis as we speak,” he explained.
The DG, however urged State Governments not to shy away from hosting the National Festival, stating that the benefits are enormous.
“Sports present opportunities to build roads, upgrade infrastructure, and attract investments and revenue into your state,”.
Hon Olopade, maintained that the scattered venues have not diminished the competitiveness of the games.
The Chairman, Main Organizing Committee noted that his tour of various sporting centres has revealed a high level of competition in sports like basketball, boxing, Cricket and many others. That it has actually given athletes opportunities to visit various centres, network and make friends.
He thereafter wished all Sports Writers a fruitful stay in Ogun State and commended them for the positive reportage.
Credit: Nathaniel Mobolade, SSIMEDIA, Gateway Games, Abeokuta.
