Ogun State is well positioned to harness the full potential of sports in Nigeria, in Africa and globally. The State has produced a number of sporting legends including: Muda Lawal, Falilat Ogunkoya, Segun Odegbami, Anthony Joshua and Tobi Amusan – to name just a few. To this end, the present administration of the State, ably led by Prince Dapo Abiodun has identified sports as an engine for economic growth and development. Bidding for and winning the 2024 National Sports Festival is just one evidence of this.
The 2024 National Sports Festival would be the 22nd edition of the showpiece sporting event that brings athletes competing in various sports together in one location. The first edition was held back in Lagos in 1973.
Other previous host states of the biennial sporting event, include Ogun State, Kaduna more recently Edo and Delta States.
Now, this I believe is Prince Dapo Abiodun’s thinking; Hosting the Sports Festival will catalyze and showcase the ongoing development in the state by;
Raising the Profile of Ogun State
Hosting a major sporting event like the NSF gives the state an opportunity to showcase its many distinctive features, such as its topography, arts, culture, natural resources, human capital, and so on, and this will leave a lasting impression on all Nigerians. The state then experiences a cascade of socioeconomic effects as a result. These include an influx of tourism and business development to an exponential degree. .
A Boost to the Local Economy
Athletes, fans, and media from all over the nation will pour into the state for the duration of the event. This means that the local economy will receive a financial boost. Businesses like restaurants, lodging facilities, shops, transportation companies, etc. stand to gain greatly. This would have a favourable effect on small and medium-sized businesses in the state.
Job Creation
Building all the required infrastructure for the games, the planning and execution of the plans for this event will help create jobs for thousands of Ogun State residents and consequently continue to catalyze the economic revitalization of the state.
Excitement and Inspiration
Although unquantifiable in monetary terms, the hosting of this major sporting event will trigger a huge amount of enthusiasm and excitement. It would encourage young people in Ogun State to participate in sports, which has long-term health advantages, develops a new talent pool, and eventually boosts the state and country internationally (sports stars like Tobi Amusan, Falilat Ogunkoya, etc. are examples of this).
The administration also has another task cut out for it: boosting culture and tourism through the revamping of popular tourist destinations like Olumo Rock, Yemoji Natural Pool, OOPL Wild Life Park, Kuti Museum, etc. in order to manage the long-term economic effects of this influx of visitors and business interests to the state.
Long Term Investment and Legacy
Preparing for this major sporting event will require long term investment in new sporting infrastructures and capabilities, as well as the renovation of existing ones.
Beyond sports, the state’s road infrastructure, transportation and security apparatus will have to be revamped in the lead up to the event.
I note that the state has already kicked off efforts in this direction.
I am aware that plans are underway to build a new modern Indoor Sports Hall and an Olympic Standard swimming pool at the MKO Abiola Stadium. Other facilities are in development across the state.
Long after the Sports Festival is over, these infrastructures will remain as long-term drivers of growth and economic development, and a testament to the vision and foresight of this administration.
It is also important that the residents of Ogun State must begin to prepare themselves to harness the potentials that comes with the hosting the games as this is the only way to ensure that Government’s post-festival sustainability plans and strategies bear fruits for the citizenry.
I believe this administration is poised to deliver a world class sporting event that would exceed expectations and ignite the state’s socio-economic engine.
Let’s go!
By: Tunde Delu
A Sports Enthusiast and Public Analyst
