The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko said there are so many economic gains from the ongoing National Sports Festival tagged Ogun 2024.
He made this disclosure while addressing a World Press Conference at the Local Organizing Committee, LOC Office in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Sunday.
Mallam Dikko said President Bola Tinubu is happy that so many people are making a living from the Festival.
He noted that people are making money, for instance, the hoteliers are making money from people that are lodging in their facilities, likewise the transporters, the food vendors and others who are trading other goods and services.
His words, “There are so many economic gains. People are making money from hotel accommodation. Transporters, food vendors, etc are also benefiting and many youths got engaged positively. There was a huge success in that aspect and the government appreciates it because many people are being empowered economically.
“Remember, after the Sports Festival, there would be WAFU games, Athletic Championship, etc and many people will still benefit from those competitions. The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun was telling me that the adire is enjoying massive sales, he is wearing it, his wife and children. The economic success is part of what we are doing,” he said.
Mallam Dikko also said doping is key to what they are doing hence they are committed to eliminating doping in sports. “That is why we ensure Anti-Doping is taken seriously. We are not going to relax until we achieve drug-free participation in sports”
On the Invited Junior Athletes, IJA, Dikko said it is a vision and they are building for the next generation. “They are our future athletes. We have shortlisted some athletes from the Sports Festival that will join the other ones.
“The IJA were not picked on the street, they were discovered from the Festival and they already have their records. We have spoken to some people to help us develop a system where they can upload their records,” he said.
He further said, “We are not just watching the sports but also improving on the facilities and that is why we are interested in the facilities.
“We have put a standard in place. We are not going to go below the standard already set.
Mallam Dikko concluded, saying, “We are in touch with the next host, Enugu State and will soon visit them to inspect their facilities. However, September 2026 has been chosen for the next festival.”
