Daniel unveils Ogun 2006

Ogun State took a giant step to realising a dream objective Thursday when Governor Gbenga Daniel officially submitted the state's bid documents for the hosting rights of the 2006 National Sports Festival to sports authorities in Nigeria.

Daniel who was a guest of the sports minister Col. Musa Mohammed at the seat of government in Abuja,was accompanied to the bid presentation ceremony by a motley crowd of top members of his cabinet, including representatives of the state in the National Assembly.

The Ogun State chief executive in his presentation speech stated reasons why the state must be considered as host of the next edition of the sports festival,explaining that Ogun is blessed with immense potentials coupled with many historical ideals that make the state cradle of civilisation in Nigeria;rich sporting background; modern sporting facilities;state-of -the-art communicaton equipment;efficient network of road transportation;strategic site for advertisement and economic gains;and crisis-free.

Said him:"The South-West in Nigeria hosted this festival last in 1989, that is precisely 15 years ago.The South-West is therefore eager to host this festival again.

"Whereas we thank Almighty that despite everything Nigeria is a peaceful country, but Ogun State represents probably one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.Ogun State is a peaceful state.

"Apart from the existing sports facilities which includes the MKO Abiola Stadium which is of international standard,the Ogun State Government has concluded arrangements to for the construction of a new Games Village at the site of the existng stadium at Ijebu-Ode.This goes a long way to show the commitment and readiness of my administration to host the 2006 National Sports Festival."

Daniel promised the sports authorities that other facilities the state wish to use for the 2006 festival like the Alake Sports Centre,the Muda Lawal Stadium and varius venues across the state would be undergoing rehabilitation and made ready ahead of the festival .

The sports minister in his reply thanked the Governor for finding time to present such a good bid.He however refused to give any commitment as regards the choice Ogun State to host the 2006 festival.

"I must commend His Exellency for his presentation, but the ministry will not be taking any decision now because Ogun is not the only state that has indicated their wish to host the festival.In fact we would have announced host of the next edition on Sunday durng the closing ceremony if not that more states have joined the race.

"Already we have put in place a Bid Assessment Committee which is expected to examine the bid of each states.Kaduna and Rivers are the other states that are in the race for the hosting rights," Mohammed revealed.

The sports minister was however tight-lipped on when winner of the bid would be made known but disclosed that the 2006 edition will be held in March of that year.