Kwara to Host Sports Investment Summit to Attract Private Sector
Kwara to Host Sports Investment Summit to Attract Private Sector
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, has reiterated the readiness of the Commission to partner with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to organise a sports summit aimed at attracting private sector investment into the state’s sports ecosystem.
Mogaji made this known on Friday while briefing journalists shortly after the hoisting of flags and lighting of the Torch of Unity to herald the 8th edition of the Kwara State Sports Festival at the George Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
The Sports Commission boss explained that the proposed summit would bring together relevant stakeholders in the sports sector to brainstorm on ways of encouraging private organisations and investors to take advantage of the enabling environment created by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and invest in sports development.
He stressed that government alone could no longer shoulder the financial responsibility of developing the sports sector because of its capital-intensive nature, noting that public-private partnership remained a viable alternative for achieving sustainable sports development in the state.
According to him, the summit would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss practical ways of attracting investors into the sector while creating platforms that would benefit athletes, sports clubs, administrators and other stakeholders.
Mogaji said the initiative was part of the Commission’s broader efforts to reposition sports in Kwara State and ensure that the sector contributes meaningfully to the development of young talents and the state’s economy.
Speaking on the history and significance of the Kwara State Sports Festival, the Commission chairman said the decision to appoint experienced technocrats and former sports stars in the state as members of the Local Organising Committee was deliberate.
He explained that the inclusion of personalities such as Hammed Adio, Tunde Kazeem, Niyi Tinuoye and others was intended to inspire upcoming athletes by exposing them to individuals who had distinguished themselves in sports.
Mogaji noted that their experience and achievements would help motivate young athletes participating in the festival to take their sporting careers seriously and aspire to greater heights.
He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his administration’s commitment to the development of sports infrastructure across the state, particularly the upgrading of facilities in the three senatorial districts.
According to him, the investment in sports facilities is aimed at creating an environment conducive to talent discovery and development, with the long-term objective of positioning Kwara State as a hub for sporting talents.
He expressed optimism that with improved facilities, effective talent development programmes and increased private sector participation, the state would continue to produce athletes capable of competing successfully at national and international levels.
The 8th Kwara State Sports Festival, which brings together athletes representing the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, will be officially declared open by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the George Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
The festival is expected to provide a platform for the discovery and development of young sporting talents while promoting unity, discipline, peace and sportsmanship among participants across the state.
