Governor Abiodun joins calls for grassroots sports development

Governor Dapo Abiodun being introduced to players from Ifo Local Council by team captain, Israel Tobiloba, during the final of the third Ogun State Public Primary Schools Governor’s Cup held at the MKO International Stadium, Abeokuta… yesterday.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has joined the calls for sports development at the grassroots level in the country. The governor said the current challenges the country is facing sustaining its competitive sport reputation as a regional, continental and a global champion can only be addressed in the long term when the country returns to grassroots sports.

Speaking at third Ogun State Public Primary Schools Governor’s Cup held at the M.K.O International Stadium, Abeokuta, Abiodun said sports provides a platform for the development of everyone and a wholesome education plan.

He added: “The hosting of this Governor’s Cup has afforded all participants opportunity to widen the horizon for knowledge and sports activities.

“Apart from development of youths’ skills, grassroots sports is essential to provide an array of sports men and women for competitive events at all levels.

“The current challenge we have in sustaining our national competitive sport reputation as a regional, continental and global levels will be addressed in the long term when we return to grassroots sports.

“It is instructive to note that most of the former and current thriving sport men and women such as Segun Odegbami, Felix Owolabi, Akeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon, Falilat Ogunkoya and so many others, were those that were made at this level, including our latest current world record holder, Tobi Amusan, they were all discovered through local competitive sporting events such as this.”

Abiodun while calling on well meaning