Towards having a remarkable and memorable National Sports Festival, the Ogun State Government has unveiled Premium Trust Bank as the official lead sponsor for the biennial sporting event.

The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, venue of the unveiling, revealed that the partnership between the State Government and Premium Trust Bank represents the largest single sponsorship agreement for the National Sports Festival.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, Gov. Abiodun noted that the competitive nature of Premium Trust Bank in terms of   sponsoring sporting events in times past, was one of the reasons why the State government opted to partner with them, saying the level of creativity they bring on board, their pedigree in sponsoring sporting events were part of the reasons the State decided to partner them.

"There were some few things we considered in the choice of who is going to be our lead sponsor. We considered the interest in sport, we looked at the pedigree of Premium Trust Bank, then we looked at others and we felt that not only did they tick all the boxes, they also have the dynamism that we expect, some people are traditional sponsors.

"Creativity was also considered, we wanted a sponsor that the issue of exchanging creative ideas will not be strange to, and that manifested in the discussion. Also, the competitive nature of Premium Trust Bank showed, when it comes to financial support and it was analysed to us in various categories", he said.

The State helmsman also revealed that, since assumption office, his administration had been able to rehabilitate Sports and Sporting facilities in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro and Abeokuta, submitting that the festival had given him the necessary push to properly put sporting facilities in the State in the right shape, adding that almost all the sporting facilities to be used for the festival are going to be in the best shape when the festival commences.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka said the partnership underscored the importance of Public-Private collaboration in advancing Sports Development for a sustainable sports economy. He expressed confidence in the positive impact the partnership would have on the games and the broader sports ecosystem.

Hon. Isiaka affirmed the potentials of sport as a catalyst for economic growth and community development, saying the current administration was steadfast in its commitment to reposition sport in the State for the benefit of everyone, while noting that the commitment of the Bank, reflects a deep understanding of the critical role sports play in shaping not just individual lives, but local communities and the nation as a whole.

He revealed that the initiative aims at elevating the profile of sports, as well as create several opportunities for the athletes, coaches and officials for them to thrive and succeed.

"As we prepare to host this prestigious event, I want to assure you that the Ogun State government is fully determined to organise one of the best festivals in the history of the National Sports Festival. Our team is dedicated to creating an environment that showcases the incredible talents of our athletes while also promoting a spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie among all participants.

"But our vision extends beyond just hosting a successful festival, we are equally committed to establishing a dynamic sports industry in Ogun State.

" As we embark on this exciting journey together, I would like to once again extend my gratitude to Premium Trust Bank for your partnership and to everyone involved in making this event possible. Together, let us pave the way for a brighter future for sports in Ogun State", he said.

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Shina Atilola said the collaboration with the Ogun State Government was expected to elevate the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival, setting a new benchmark for corporate involvement in Nigerian sports.

Atilola assured that the financial institution was not only sponsoring the biennial sports fiesta but would also nurture discovered athletes to stardom through sponsorship, saying sports can help reduce unemployment as well as engage youths in meaningful activities. He added that sport was a major area where the country could be branded positively to the world.

He noted that the bank would fully utilise the world-class sporting facilities provided by the State government as a discovering talent hub to groom and nurture talented athletes to international level.

"We are particularly interested in the facilities, how we are going to groom the yet-to-be 'Tobi Amusan', the yet-to-be great footballers, tennis players that will come out from Ogun State because of the quality of facilities that this festival will allow us develop and maintain  is important, because we don't want the festival to be a one-off activity, we want a situation whereby those facilities will be sustainable," he said.