Ogun’s glorious era in sports will be restored, says Amosun
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has assured that his administration would restore the state’s lost glory in sporting activities.
Amosun gave the assurance during the Golf Tournament organized by Abeokuta Golf Club to mark the third anniversary of his government at the Golf Course, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta over the weekend.
He said that the state government, having had an input in all sectors in the face of competing demands and limited resources, is set to zero-in on sports to restore its lost glory.
The governor recalled that the Gateway State used to be in top position in tennis, hockey, football, cricket and other athletic activities, even at secondary school levels, but however lamented that “Today, we have dropped the ball over the years.
“Gateway Football team came close to gaining promotion to premiership last season until the final match. But now, with our resolve to zero-in on sports, especially now that the world has become a global village, we are sure we can rekindle that glorious era in all sporting activities.
“We will do more enlightenment and encourage our young ones to play golf and other games. My desire is to see our sons and daughters being actively involved in international sports. It will give me more joy when I know that our indigenes are contributing to the development of sports in Nigeria,” Amosun added.
On plans being put in place for the hosting of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Games by the state in 2015, Amosun, who noted that the state came second in the last edition held recently in Lagos, said necessary infrastructure is being put in place to make it a world class event.
“The welfare of participants who will be representing our state will also be taken more seriously to motivate them.
While describing golf as an elitist game which offers numerous value chain, including tourism, relaxation and health benefits, the states helmsman said that the government would interface with stakeholders and the elderly who played active roles during the glorious era of sports in the state to further fine-tune measures at making the state shine at world stage.
Amosun, who was accompanied by his wife, Olufunso, took time to play the golf game alongside the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo while commending the efforts of late Chief Olumide Apagun on the Gulf Course, which he noted, is one of the best in Nigeria.
“We will improve on this golf course with 18 holes in Abeokuta to make it am international tourist center,” he stated.