Ogun State government has promised to ensure the return of Governor’s cup and principals cup competitions in a bid to discover talents among secondary schools students in the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced this at the final of the third edition of Value Jet/SWAN Security Cup competition held at the main bowl of MKO International stadium Kuto Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun who was represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka noted that plans were on to ensure the development of sports in the state with the renovation of sporting facilities across the state.
He also pointed out that efforts were on to ensure that the Gateway United football club gain promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL,
The governor who commended the initiative of the Sports Writer Association of Nigeria (SWAN), for staging the competition which he noted come stay in the state, said the government would continue to encourage other stakeholders in the sports industry to develop the sector in the state.
Earlier the Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ogun state Chapter, Mr Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji had implored the Governor to take up the competition and provide yearly sponsorship.
Ogunsiji explained that the competition aimed at fostering unity among security and safety agencies in the state had remained a reference point in the southwest region of the country.
At the end of the final match, the football team of Nigeria Police defeated their arch-rival, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC by six goals to five on penalties after the match had ended goalless in regulation time.
Police goalkeeper, Kehinde Ayobami was the hero, saving two penalties while the team’s captain Bola Isikalu converted the last penalty to give the Nigeria Police team the deserved victory.
The Nigerian Correctional Service won the bronze medal after the Nigeria Customs Service failed to show up for their match.
The final match which had the Commissioner for Forestry, Hon Taiwo Oludotun in attendance also attracted heads of various security agencies, past SWAN leaders as well as the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun state council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju.
