Represent Oyo State With Passion, Excellence – Makinde Urges Athletes
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged the athletes to represent the state with passion and excellence at the National Sports Festival while promising to reward them in return.
A total of 320 athletes will represent the state in 32 sports at the Gateway Games, billed to start from May 16 to 30.
Makinde assured the athletes of his continuous support while receiving the festival’s torch of unity at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, the representative of the National Sports Council, Mrs Ekeana Ibora, collected the Torch at the entrance of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor said receiving the Torch of Unity was an honour and a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to national cohesion and shared progress.
He said, “I bring felicitation from the government and the good people of Oyo State. It is with great excitement that I welcome you all to this occasion, which is the reception of the Torch of Unity, a significant symbol of the commencement of the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival.
“The Torch of Unity is more than a ceremonial emblem; it is a powerful symbol of peace, unity and brotherhood across the 36 states of our great country.
“Receiving this torch here in Oyo State is not just an honour; it is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to national cohesion and shared progress.
“I am happy to be part of this momentous event, which serves as a platform for the promotion of socio-cultural integration, hereby reinforcing the ideals of national unity.
“Youth engagement and healthy competition are values that Oyo State holds dearly. And, as we prepare for the festival, I urge our athletes to represent Oyo State with passion, discipline and excellence.
“Please go beyond participation by also aiming to bring glory to our beloved state.”
Makinde assured the athletes that his administration is committed to promoting sports development at all levels.
He concluded, “I assure you that this administration remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting sports development at all levels through the provision of adequate infrastructure, training facilities and a conducive environment.
“At this juncture, I want to assure you that this government will continue to recognise and reward those who bring pride and honour to our state.”
Oyo State finished fourth at the last National Sports Festival in Delta with 50 gold, 51 silver, and 62 bronze, totalling 163 medals, and they will be hoping to improve on their performance in Abeokuta.
Represent Oyo State With Passion, Excellence – Makinde Urges Athletes is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
