Former Commissioner for Sports, Social Protection and Special Needs in the State of Osun, Dr. Biyi Odunlade who recently bagged his doctorate degree from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) was among the Guests of Honour at the closing ceremony of the National Sports Festival 2018 in Abuja.
ODUNLADE: The event was held at the Main bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja December 16, 2018.
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Dr. Odunlade who served diligently under the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was instrumental to the successes recorded by Osun athletes in the National Youth Games, where many Osun indigenes gatecrashed into the world’s sports searchlight.
In a statement made available to SOJWORLD.COM, the former Commissioner has this to say;
“Noone believes these athletes could perform up to the level of winning over 33 medals at an open festival. This is why I have come to associate with them, on behalf of the State Government of Osun.”
“This achievement started at the National Youth Games in Ilorin and the sustainability of regular representation of Osun contingents in these events brought about this feat.”
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“I want to assure people of the state that sports promotion and development has become an integral policy of the present administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola towards youth empowerment and the Governor will not hold back his efforts on it”, said Comrade Odunlade.
Comrade Odunlade was also at the Velodrome Centre, Package A, of the National Stadium Abuja where he cheered Osun wrestler, Omega Bassey up to win a silver medal for the state.
The Director of Sports, Coaching and Training at the State of Osun Sports Council, Mr Ademola Daini described Comrade Odunlade’s regular support as one of the reasons for series of achievement recorded by the Sports Council, adding that;
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“the visit of the immediate past Commissioner is a big morale booster for the athletes and their coaches”.
The 10-day event will climax this evening with a closing ceremony at the main bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja where President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to be the Distinguished Guest of Honour.
Meanwhile, Edo state will host the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) in 2020, Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, said on Sunday in Abuja.
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Dalung who announced this during the closing ceremony of the 19th NSF at the Abuja National Stadium said Edo was chosen after a careful assessment of its bid.
“Edo was chosen after it has clearly shown that it understands what is needed and required of it in hosting the festival.
“The Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development will continue to retain its role of technical partners to the festival,â€
www.sojworld.com (c) December 17, 2018
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