Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the ongoing National Sports Festival as a major catalyst for economic activity across the state, noting that the event has significantly impacted various sectors including tourism, hospitality, and small-scale enterprises.
Governor Abiodun made this known while receiving top executives of Access Bank, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Speaking on the rationale behind Ogun State’s bid to host the sports festival, Abiodun said the event has offered a unique opportunity to consolidate infrastructural achievements, boost tourism, and energize the local economy.
“We didn’t just host the Sports Festival to show off our infrastructure; we did it to reintroduce Ogun as more than just Nigeria’s industrial capital,” the governor said. “We want to also be known as the hospitality and tourism capital. And this festival has allowed us to showcase the best of Ogun State.”
Abiodun described the opening ceremony held on April 18 as “arguably the best in the history of the National Sports Festival,” praising the smooth logistics, athlete accommodation at an Olympic-style village, and vibrant commercial atmosphere.
“Everywhere I visited on Saturday was bustling with life. There were vendors of water, recharge cards, clothes, sportswear, and particularly, Adire. In fact, the Adire market ran out of stock because they couldn’t meet demand,” he said. “With over 9,500 athletes and officials in the state, totaling nearly 12,000 people, the economic ripple effect has been massive.”
Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in building a resilient economy, pointing to the Adire value chain as a vital sector needing support.
“We’ve revived the Adire industry, and it’s contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth. From the fabric sellers to the dye makers and tailors, the value chain is alive again. We would love to see Access Bank partner with us to further strengthen this industry,” he added.
Abiodun also lauded Access Bank for supporting his administration from inception, commending its evolution from a single-branch operation to Nigeria’s largest commercial bank across 24 markets.
“Be assured of our continued partnership. Ogun State is open for deeper collaboration with Access Bank to unlock our economic potential,” he concluded.
In his remarks, Access Bank Managing Director, Roosevelt Ogbonna, expressed appreciation for the enduring relationship between the bank and the Ogun State Government, noting that the bond has moved beyond that of a client and service provider.
“Your administration has created a conducive atmosphere for business growth and investment,” Ogbonna said. “Your agenda for the state is working, and the impact is visible in the expanding economic activities. We are fully committed to supporting your vision.”
He also thanked the state government and citizens for standing by the bank during the recent loss of its former CEO, Herbert Wigwe, and pledged continued support for policies aimed at solving challenges and promoting inclusive growth.
