National Sports Festival unites Obasanjo, Soyinka
The ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) being hosted by Ogun State Government has united the former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka as the duo openly embraced themselves at the opening ceremony of the tournaments.
Penpushing reports that Obasanjo had earlier arrived the venue of the opening ceremony at Moshood Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto Abeokuta at about 5pm and was ushered into the Very Important Personality (VIP) box where he joined other dignitaries to be part of the epoch events.
The Nobel laureate and literary icon equally arrived the venue about 30 minutes after Obasanjo was on the seat, while he was equally ushered into the same place and thereafter quietly sat down.
Penpushing further reports that, shortly after Soyinka settled down on his seat, Obasanjo who was sitting few distance on the first row with Soyinka, left his seat to meet Soyinka, who also sighting Obasanjo heading towards him equally stood to appreciate him (Obasanjo) while the duo embraced in hug which lasted and threw banters to each.
The other dignitaries at the state box and thousands of spectators at the filled to the brim stadium were amazed by the new development from the duo, known for years to have been avoiding each other.
Penpushing also reports notable dignitaries at the event include Kashim Shettima (Vice President), Chief Olusegun Osoba (former Governor of Ogun State), Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, Colonel Daniel Akintonde(former military administrator Ogun State), Otunba Gbenga Daniel (former Governor of Ogun State), Governor Ademola Adeleke (Governor of Osun State), Senator Shuaib Salisu, Senator Solomon Adeola, Hon Afolabi Afuape and Hon Gboyega Isiaka.
The others are Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, Kehinde Onasanya (Ogun State Head of Service),Yomi Majekodunmi(former Ogun State Chief of Staff) Elder Sola Adeyemi(Former Ogun State Head of Service), Princess Ronke Ogunremi, Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo and Segun Odegbami among others
Penpushing reports that Ogun State Governor in his speech said he welcome the participants to the state with warm hospitality, explaining that the festival was a celebration of unity, stressing that athletic excellence and youthful energy reflects the enduring spirits of the country
‘Ogun state is no stranger to visitors or participants in this festival, strategically located and deeply integrated into Nigeria’s national development story, our state has produced many notable figures across various sectors’, he said
‘This underscores our viral place in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape. Over the past six years, our administration has pursued holistic development under the theme Building Our Future Together, guided by five strategi pillars captured in the acronym Iseya’,
Penpushing also reports that Abiodun boasted that Ogun State has produced world class athletes such as Muda Lawal, Segun Odegbami, Falilat Ogunkoya, Tobi Amusan, Anthony Joshua, Tunde Onakoya and many others
The Governor added that hosting the national sports festival for the second time in under two decades reflects the deep commitment to sports development and youth empowerment, which is hallmarks of his governance approach.
‘We have invested in modern sports infrastructure and provided the necessary support to ensure a memorable experience for all athletes, officials and guests. Ogun state stands ready to deliver a festival that inspires, unites and uplifts’, Abiodun emphasized
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