•Tolu Bankole
The National Leader of Persons with Disabilities in the All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has welcomed athletes to Ogun State for the much-anticipated Gateway Games 2024.
In a statement today, the former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly also welcomed officials, sports enthusiasts, and dignitaries from across the country to the state.
The statement reads, “As the much-anticipated Gateway Games 2024 begins in few hours at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, I, Aare Hon. Tolu Bankole, a member of Ogun State 6th House of Assembly and a current member of the APC national working committee warmly welcomes athletes, officials, sports enthusiasts, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond to the Gateway State, Ogun State.
“The Gateway Games 2024 is not just a sporting event; it is a national celebration of unity, youth potential, and sporting excellence. From May 16 to 30, 2025, Abeokuta and other select venues will host what promises to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s sports development. These Games are set to birth future stars, elevate our sporting profile, and ignite a sense of national pride.”
Bankole also commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his unwavering commitment to youth development and sports revitalisation across the state.
He said, “I want to sincerely commend our forward-thinking and result-oriented Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his unwavering commitment to youth development, sports revitalisation, and infrastructural transformation across Ogun State. Under his administration, the state has witnessed remarkable progress in sports facilities, road networks, and safety mechanisms, laying a strong foundation for an event of this magnitude.
“Ogun State is a haven of peace and hospitality. The people, whether Egba, Remo, Yewa, or Ijebu, live together in harmony, embracing all who come here regardless of tribe, tongue, or faith. The state is a model of peaceful coexistence, with cordial relationships among adherents of different religions. Our communities are safe, our streets are secure, and our climate is warm and tropical, perfect for sports and tourism alike.”
The APC chieftain also encouraged officials, sports enthusiasts, and visitors to explore the cities, foods and cultures and interact with the people throughout their stay in the state.
He added: “Visitors will be pleased to discover our rich cuisine, including signature dishes such as Lafun, Iyan, Ikokore, Kokoro, Cocoyam, Apara, and Ofada rice, among others. Ogun State is also home to enterprising citizens who have contributed immensely to commerce, education, and national development. The energy, creativity, and resilience of our people define us as the true gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity.
“We encourage all visitors to explore our cities, savour our culture, and interact with our wonderful people. Who knows, you may find a life partner here and choose to build your future with us in this beautiful land of opportunity.
“To our athletes, this is your stage. Compete with integrity, courage, and the spirit of excellence. To the organisers, sponsors, and spectators, Ogun State welcomes you with open arms. Let us together write history as we host a Games that will be remembered for generations to come.”
