Wale Sodehinde, the Project Director for the National Transporters Game, has announced that Ogun State is gearing up to host its first-ever sports competition for transport unions in October 2024.
Sodehinde made this revelation during a recent inspection of stadium facilities alongside national transport leaders in the towns of Sagamu and Ikenne on Thursday.
He elaborated that this week-long event aims to foster unity among Nigeria’s transporters and to shift the negative stereotypes often associated with them.
Highlighting the initiative’s origins, Sodehinde credited Dayo Ogundipe, who envisioned the project in 2017 alongside former Senator Gbolahan Dada. He mentioned that out of the twelve transportation unions invited, eight have already expressed their intent to participate.
“Our goal is to cultivate unity, camaraderie, and progress among those who play a pivotal role in driving the nation’s economy,” he stated. “Transporters are vital contributors to Nigeria’s economic landscape, and they deserve to be recognized positively.”
He added, “Although we initially aimed for twelve unions, we currently have eight on board. This indicates strong momentum, and we hope that media coverage of this initiative will encourage others to join us.”
The inspected venues include Gateway International Stadium in Sagamu, Remo Star Stadium in Ikenne, and the National Youth Service Corps Camp in Sagamu, which will serve as accommodation for participants during the event.