society
National Sports Festival: Abiodun indicates Ogun readiness to host fiesta in 2024
National Sports Festival: Abiodun indicates Ogun’s readiness to host a fiesta in 2024
Sahara Weekly Reports That The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has indicated the readiness of the state to host the 22nd Edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) in 2024.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, Gov. Abiodun gave this indication on Friday when he played host to the 22nd National Sports Festival Evaluation Committee, in his office.
Gov Abiodun expressed his conviction that no other state can defeat Ogun in its plans to host the festival after almost 16 years it hosted it.
Abiodun, while noting that Ogun is one of the most peaceful states in the country, urged the committee to make security, a peaceful atmosphere, and the well-being of the athletes the most crucial consideration above others.
“Our state is the Gateway State and I do not think that any other state can compete and defeat us in the bidding for this National Sports Festival.
“So, on behalf of my team, I want to assure you that we will be ready to host this Sports Festival. I want to thank the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare. And I have told him, we are hosting this festival, and we are ready for it.
“I think for a festival like this, one of your topmost considerations should be a venue where you can guarantee the safety of the athletes and also the visitors. I think that consideration ranks higher than any other consideration, it has to be number one and once you take that on your checklist, you can begin to look at other areas.
“I beat my chest and proudly say that Ogun State is one of the most peaceful states in the country, if not the most peaceful state in the country and I think that is a severe consideration and we will continue to do everything to sustain that role as one of the most peaceful states in the country,” he said.
The governor who added that his administration sees the development of the sports sector as very important as it helps to instill discipline, and leadership skills and also helps the youths to stay clear of social vices, said that hosting of the festival is fundamental to the social economic development of the state.
” We see the sports sector as a sector that we must promote because the sport itself instills discipline in our youths, if you are preparing for any sporting activity, you are required to be disciplined, you have to wake up at a certain time to train, you have to develop interpersonal skills, once you are subjected to those kinds of rigorous training exercises, you are less likely to engage in vices because you won’t have time,” he noted
Abiodun stated that if the state could host a business concern of $400m in the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone at a period when the Naira exchange rate to other foreign currencies is a bit epileptic, affirmed that the state is more than ready to host the festival.
” If we are ready for a business person at a time like this when there is a world recession, at a time when there are baseless speculations that we have security threats, at a time when our exchange rate of a Naira to other foreign currencies is a bit epileptic if an investor is coming to Ogun state and investing $400m in our state, then, it says a lot.
” If we have become an attractive destination for local and international investors because of the people-oriented programs that we have implemented, we must be more than ready to host the National Sports Festival, we must be more than ready,” Abiodun affirmed.
The State governor while assuring the committee that the state-owned international airport would have become operational before the commencement of the festival, also said that all observations made by the committee would be looked into.
” Let me assure you that whatever it is that you require, we have tourist sites, cultural heritage sites, by the grace of God, way before the National Sports Festival, our International Airport will be ready, so our athletes do not have to worry about flying to another state as they did in 2006 and driving to Ogun State. They can fly straight into Ogun State and within twenty-five minutes, they are at any of the venues driving on first-class five-star highways.
” Yes, you are here to inspect our sporting facilities, what I want to assure you of is that whatever observation that you find, whatever recommendation you make thereof, be doubly assured that we will take them on board and all those facilities will be ready and they will be best in class,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the 22nd National Sports Festival Evaluation Committee and also the Director of, the National Sports Festival/Para Sports Department, Ministry of Youths and Sports; Peter Nelson, commended the state government for showing interest to host the 22nd edition of the festival, opined that the state can surpass its record of being the only state to have hosted and made a huge profit if it gets the nod to host the event.
” I hope and pray that when we go for the inspection, the things that we see in sight will be impressed that I think we should be able to give Ogun State another chance to host as we did to Edo sometime ago and also Lagos.
“I am so sure that if they put things in place, there is no doubt in my mind that Ogun State should be able to repeat what they did in 2006 as the only state that ever hosted a sports festival and made a profit. This time around, I expect that it should be much better and I am expecting that the preparation should be much better than what we saw the last time,” he said.
Nelson while noting that if the state can get things right, it would win the bidding process, urged the state government to ensure that accommodations are not too far from the venues.
A former Commissioner for Youths Sport in the state, Bukola Olopade, expressed optimism that the state would win the bid to host the festival in 2024 and said he looked forward to a successful bidding process.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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