Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District, has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Chief Bukola Olopade on his recent appointment as the Director General of the National Sports Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The senator hailed the appointment, noting that it marks a significant milestone for sports development in Nigeria, given Olopade’s track record and commitment to advancing the sector.

In a statement made public through his official X handle, Otunba Gbenga Daniel reflected on his time as the Governor of Ogun State, he praised Chief Bukola Olopade for his instrumental role as Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development.

He highlighted Olopade’s contributions to several landmark sporting events and initiatives, including the successful hosting of the Gateway Games, the Gateway Tertiary Institution Games (GATIG), and the FIFA Junior World Cup.

These events, which took place during Daniel’s administration, underscored a robust agenda focused on sports and youth development.

“One of the highlights of my administration was our conscious effort in ensuring that sports and youth development received the utmost attention. This was evident in the landmark Gateway Games, Gateway Tertiary Institution Games (GATIG), the hosting of the FIFA Junior World Cup, and many more,” Senator Daniel remarked.

“All these were possible through concerted efforts and initiatives, of which Chief Bukola Olopade as the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development played a significant part.

The senator expressed his confidence in Olopade’s ability to transform Nigeria’s sports sector as the new Director General of the National Sports Commission. He noted that Olopade’s extensive experience and passion for sports will provide the leadership necessary to elevate the nation’s performance across various sporting disciplines.

“It is with great delight that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decided to appoint him as the Director General of the National Sports Commission,” Senator Daniel added.

“I am confident that he will right all the wrongs in our nation’s sports affairs and provide the needed leadership for Nigerians to compete in all competitions with pride, bringing victory to us all.”

Senator Daniel’s endorsement of Olopade’s appointment underscores the significance of this strategic move by President Tinubu, as stakeholders and sports enthusiasts anticipate a new era of revitalized sports development and international competitiveness for Nigeria

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has felicitated Chief Bukola Olawale Olopade on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Ogun State.

Governor Abiodun, in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, said Olopade, with his wealth of experience spanning decades in sports administration, would definitely perform beyond expectations in the new role.

He further noted that Olopade has carved a niche for himself in sports administration through unwavering dedication and tenacity, adding that the appointment represents a round peg in a round hole

.

The Governor praised President Tinubu for his consistency in talent hunting and sagacity in deploying capable hands to critical sectors for optimal performance.

Abiodun said: “I heartily congratulate my brother and an illustrious son of Ogun State, Chief Bukola Olawale Olopade, on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu; indeed, this is a well-deserved appointment, considering the commitment and capacity Olopade has exhibited over the last decades in sports administration and management.

“As a former commissioner for sports in Ogun State and the Chairman of the local organizing committee for the National Sports Festival, Ogun 2024, Chief Olopade is bringing satisfactory knowledge and skills to bear on the new role.”

In a bid to foster unity among security agencies, the 2024 edition of the ValueJet/SWAN Security Cup, organized by the Ogun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), is set to feature at least seven participating agencies.

The event will see these agencies competing for the prestigious trophy, with the tournament kicking off on Thursday.

The defending champion, Police Machine, have been drawn in Group A alongside the Nigeria Customs Service,

 Ogun State Fire Service, and debutants Federal Road Safety Corps. Group B comprises last year’s finalists, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and newcomers, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The draw ceremony, held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, was graced by the Ogun State SWAN Chairman, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji.

 In his address, Ogunsiji emphasized the competition’s goal of promoting unity and friendship among the security outfits. 

He extended his gratitude to ValueJet Airline, the title sponsor of the tournament’s fourth edition, and urged other corporate organizations and philanthropists to support the initiative, ensuring the event’s continued growth.

Uchechi Achomadu, Head of Marketing at ValueJet Nigeria, expressed the airline’s pride in being the official sponsor. 

She announced a cash prize of one million naira for the tournament’s winners and disclosed that branded jerseys would be provided for the four teams that reach the semi-finals. 

Achomadu assured the participating teams of ValueJet Airline’s commitment to the competition’s success.