We'll Partner NFF To Encourage Football Development In Ogun - Abiodun

ABEOKUTA - The Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that the state government is ready to partner with Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to encourage football in the state. 

Governor Abiodun disclosed this on Tuesday when the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta. 

Abiodun who said the state over the years has produced sports stars who have made the nation proud in many international sporting activities added that, sports remain means of youths employment.

He opined that, when youths are kept busy, the rate of crime, gangsterism, drug abuse and other social vices committed by some of them are reduced to the bearest minimum. 

He however, assured that the State would soon set up a Sports Trust Fund that would help in creating an enabling environment to tap from the multiplier effects of Sporting activities. 

Governor Abiodun noted that sports, over time has moved from an entertainment past time to a Money spinning venture.

"We are putting in place, a Sports Trust Fund to create enabling environment to engage and enjoy the multiplier effects of Sporting activities. We are going to launch that very soon, so that our sports have enough funding", he noted.

He said his administration was in the verge of creating the state sports commission to be headed by a renowned sport entrepreneur, just as some State stadia like the one at  Ijebu-Ode have been rehabilitated to encourage sporting activities.

Speaking earlier, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, lauded the Governor on his achievements in the last one year, saying that he was in the state to prepare for the forthcoming General Assembly to be hosted by the state and the foundation laying of the sport house which would keep proper records of footballers in the country.