The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee member and renowned advocate for youth development, Tolu Bankole, has showered praises on the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the outstanding success of the ongoing National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024.
According to Tolu Bankole, Governor Abiodun deserves nothing short of a Gold Medal for his brilliance in planning, organizing, and successfully hosting what is now widely regarded as the best edition in the history of the National Sports Festival. “The excellence witnessed at the Gateway Games is not accidental,” Bankole stated. “It is a product of strategic vision, uncommon dedication, and the unique leadership style of a Governor who understands the power of sports in national development.”
Tolu Bankole lauded Governor Abiodun as the brand and brain behind the tremendous successes recorded so far at the Festival. From the seamless logistics to the electric atmosphere across centres, the Festival has proven to be not only a sporting spectacle but a celebration of Ogun State’s identity, culture, and economic potential.
“The Governor’s continuous monitoring, support, and hands-on supervision of the activities of athletes, officials, and crew have been outstanding. His encouragement and empathy have inspired the participants to give their best, making the entire event a showcase of discipline, talent, and unity,” he added.
Bankole also applauded the massive economic gains of the Festival to the people of Ogun State. With over 12,000 participants and a surge in commercial activities—particularly in tourism, hospitality, and local industries such as the iconic Adire textile market—the Games have brought prosperity to the grassroots and amplified Ogun’s emerging status as Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality capital.
“Governor Abiodun’s foresight in using the Festival as a platform to promote local enterprise and SMEs is commendable. This is governance at its most creative and impactful. His transparent leadership and distinguished coordinating capability are simply unmatched,” Bankole affirmed.
The APC chieftain also acknowledged the significance of the Festival in talent discovery. “Many new stars have been uncovered. This is proof of Governor Abiodun’s unparalleled commitment to youth development and building a better future for our nation’s next generation.”
He echoed the commendation of the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who described the Festival as a game-changer and benchmark for future editions. The successful hosting, according to Dikko, is a shining example that other states must aspire to emulate.
“This has been the most eventful and impactful National Sports Festival ever. From infrastructure to atmosphere, Ogun State has set a new standard,” Bankole declared. “We must ensure the sporting centres remain active after the Games to preserve the facilities and sustain the momentum.”
As the Festival draws to a close on Thursday, Aare Tolu Bankole congratulated the good people of Ogun State, the participants, and every stakeholder who contributed to the triumph of the Games. “The success belongs to all of us—but the credit goes to the visionary who dared to dream: Governor Dapo Abiodun. Dapo Magic is real, and it is top-notch.”
Tolu Bankole extended heartfelt wishes to Governor Dapo Abiodun ahead of his upcoming birthday on May 29th. “Your Excellency, we love you dearly. Your leadership inspires hope, drives progress, and sets the pace. May your new year be filled with greater grace, strength, and accomplishments. Happy birthday in advance, sir.”