The Ogun Government on Tuesday in Abeokuta unveiled Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor of the upcoming 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged “Gateway Games 2024”.

Speaking during a ceremony to announce the development, the state’s Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, said the partnership underscored the significance of public-private collaboration in advancing sports development.

“It is a development that will create and for a sustainable sports economy,” he said.

Isiaka expressed confidence in the positive impact the partnership would have on the Games and sports in general.

“The commitment of the bank reflects a deep understanding of the critical role sports play in shaping not just individual lives but also communities and the nation as a whole.

“This initiative aims not only to elevate the profile of sports but also to create opportunities for the athletes to thrive and succeed,” he said.

The Commissioner then assured that the Ogun government was fully determined to organise one of the best festivals in the history of the NSF.

“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.

“This initiative aims not only to elevate the profile of sports but also to create opportunities for our athletes to thrive and succeed.

“We see the potential of sports as a catalyst for economic growth and community development and we are steadfast in our commitment to repositioning sports in our state for the benefit of all, especially for our talented athletes who abound throughout the state,” he said.

Isiaka added that all athletes who would be participating in the festival should know that they were not just Ogun’s pride but the future of the state and Nigeria.

“Your hard work, resilience and dedication inspire us all. With the support of partners like Premium Trust Bank, we believe that together, we can create an ecosystem where talent flourishes and dreams are transformed into reality,” he said.

In his remarks at the ceremony, the Executive Director, Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Shina Atilola, said the collaboration with Ogun government was expected to elevate the festival.

“It will also set a new benchmark for corporate involvement in Nigerian sports,” he said.

Atilola then assured that the financial institution was not only sponsoring the biennial sports fiesta but would also nurture discovered athletes to stardom through sponsorship.

He said the bank would fully utilise the world-class sporting facilities provided by the state government as a hub to discover talents and also groom talented athletes to international stardom.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the partnership represents the largest single sponsorship agreement for the Festival