……….As athletes laud Governor’s support, vow to win medals

By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has challenged the state contigent at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta to break the state’s record at the competition.

The Governor, who was among the dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the Gateway Games at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday, paid a surprise visit to the camp of the athletes representing the Sunshine State on Monday, with a rousing message of encouragement and support.

Speaking to the visibly excited contingent at their Babcock University campus base, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged them to put in their best efforts and surpass the 4th position which stands as the highest Ondo has ever recorded at the competition.

Recalling Ondo State’s proud history at the National Sports Festival since its inception in the early 1970s, Governor Aiyedatiwa challenged the team to uphold and surpass the achievements of past generations.

“At some point, Ondo State regularly finished between sixth and 13th positions; we’ve even come fourth as our highest. You must not go below that. You must put in your best.

“We are here to encourage you, to identify with you, and to let you know that we are behind you in every way. I am also praying for you that no harm shall come your way,” he told the team, adding that as a sports lover himself, his administration strongly supports sports development in the state.

The Governor urged the athletes to remain courageous, determined, and fair in their competitions, emphasizing that the festival could serve as a launchpad for future sporting careers.

“Some of you, maybe this is where you’ll be discovered for greater performance later in life, where you can make a career out of this adventure,” the Governor noted.

Governor Aiyedatiwa encouraged the athletes to challenge strongholds like Delta State, which has consistently finished first in recent years, and the host Ogun State.

The athletes, who thanked the governor for the surprise visit and his support for them at the competition, vowed to bring back home many medals from Abeokuta.

At the official opening ceremony on Sunday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted the unifying power of sports, describing it as a key force that strengthens national cohesion.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, the host, welcomed all participating states and dignitaries, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his commitment to sports development under the Renewed Hope Agenda and urged athletes to participate with honor and integrity.

The festival, which runs from May 16 to 30, features competitions in various sports, including athletics, basketball, swimming, wrestling, and others.