Veteran National Basketball Coach and Baba-Oba of Owu-Abeokuta, Alabi Adelanwan says the ongoing massive investment in upgrading and construction of sporting facilities in Ogun State, ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival holding in May, 2025 by the Prince Dapo Abiodun's administration will transform the economic fortune of the State
Prince Adelanwan who produced the likes of two NBA Basketball League legends, Akeem Olajuwon and former D'Tigers Captain, Olumide Oyedeji in an exclusive chat with Edu-Biznews in Abeokuta said that the standard facilities being upgraded and constructed at both MKO Abiola Stadium in Kuto and Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja in the state capital would attract corporate organizations to support the growth of sports through sponsorship of various sporting events even after the biennial national sports fiesta would have ended in State by end of May
The quality of facilities being provided by Governor Abiodun across the state according to Adelanwan, are capable of attracting major national and international competitions to the state that will impact greatly on the economies of both individual traders and the state
He expressed confidence that the sporting facilities are in safe hands, saying Ogun has always been blessed with season sports administrators both in the past and current, including the likes of Alatishe who was among founding members of the then Nigeria Football Association in 1945 now Nigeria Football Federation and Chief Bukola Olopade, a former Sports Commissioner in the state and currently Director Generator of National Sports Commission and Babs Ogunade, the State Chairman of Basketball Association and top member of Nigeria Basketball Federation who have what it takes to effectively run such sporting facilities
"We need the right people in place to effectively manage the sporting facilities being provided to attract major competitions and keep facilities alive at various stadia in the state ", he stated
Prince Adelanwan also lauded the initiative of Governor Abiodun for making three time former world heavy weight champion, Anthony Joshua Sports Ambassador for the State , urging other sports mega stars to come home and use global influence to promote sports growth in the state and Nigeria as a country
He added that the ongoing investment in sporting facilities would encourage coaches to discover raw talents through catch-them young programmes and nurture them to stardom to represent the State and the country at large at major international competitions
Investment In sporting facilities is an investment In future of youths who will be encouraged to develop their raw talents in sports
Edu-Biznews observed that basketball and volleyball courts are nearing completion while indoor sports hall are being upgraded during on the spot visit to the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja area of the State capital
Ogun State is preparing to host the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Ogun 2024 Gateway Games now postponed to hold between May 16 and 31, 2025
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