By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Ogun State Government has officially announced Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor for the upcoming National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, scheduled to take place from May 16th to 30th, 2025.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Center, Oke Mosan, marked a significant milestone in fostering public-private partnerships aimed at advancing sports development.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, emphasized the importance of collaboration in building a sustainable sports economy. He described the sponsorship as the largest single sponsorship deal in the history of the National Sports Festival, highlighting its potential to positively impact both the Games and the broader sports ecosystem.
Hon. Isiaka stressed that the partnership reflects Premium Trust Bank’s deep commitment to sports as a tool for national and community development. He assured that under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State is determined to host one of the best editions of the festival while also laying the foundation for a thriving sports industry in the state. “Our vision extends beyond just hosting a successful festival. We aim to create an environment where athletes can excel, and we see sports as a catalyst for economic growth and community development. With the support of Premium Trust Bank, we can build an ecosystem where talent flourishes, and dreams turn into reality.”
In his remarks, Mr. Shina Atilola, the Executive Director of Premium Trust Bank, expressed the bank’s commitment to elevating the Games and setting a new standard for corporate involvement in Nigerian sports. He assured that beyond sponsoring the festival, the bank will invest in nurturing discovered athletes, providing them with the resources needed to reach international stardom.
Atilola also noted that Premium Trust Bank would leverage the state’s world-class sporting facilities to develop young talents and help them excel on the global stage.
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including, Olatokunbo Talabi – Secretary to the Ogun State Government
Oluwaseyi Johnson – Chief of Staff to the NSC Director-General
Mrs. Modele Sharafa – Chairman, Opening & Closing Ceremonies LOC
Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi – NSC Director of Press
Mr. Oladipupo Idowu – Assistant Director, National Sports Festival Department
With this partnership, Ogun State is set to deliver an exceptional National Sports Festival, providing athletes with a platform to showcase their talents and fostering a dynamic sports industry in Nigeria.
