As the people of Ondo state joined the rest of the world in sporting activities to commemorate the 2025 Olympic Day Run, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said his administration is committed to investment in sports as a tool for national development.
Olympic Day Run is a global event, held annually, to commemorate the founding of the modern Olympic Games, and promote mass participation in sports.
Leading the endurance trek in Akure on Saturday, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, emphasized the importance of sports as a unifying factor.
According to him, “As a government, it is our priority to key into the objectives of the Olympic Day Run celebration in Nigeria, among which is to cement national unity and grassroots sports development. It is apposite to state that sports plays a pivotal role in fostering unity across cultural and religious divides.
“Our administration will continue to encourage the participation of the people of Ondo state in sporting activities for their health benefits and financial emancipation”
He restated his administration’s commitment to sports development as he equally highlighted the feats recorded by his government in the sector.
“We are putting several initiatives in place to promote sports excellence, including the development of sporting facilities across the state, purchase of up-to-date sporting equipment and training of both coaches and athletes” the governor said.
In her address, permanent secretary, state ministry of youth and sports development, Tolu Adeyemi, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting regular sporting activities as a means of building stronger and healthier communities.
Also remarking, representative of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), Sylvester Ikuejamoye, commended the state government for acknowledging the significance of the Olympic Day Run and providing the necessary support for its observance.
On his part, chairman of the Ondo state chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Segun Giwa, called for increase investment in grassroots sports, stressing the role of media in promoting sporting values.
John Paul Akinduro,
Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor
(Office of the Deputy Governor)
Jan. 28, 2025