OGUN STATE SPORTS COUNCIL

Adewuyi Visits Ogun Sports Council, Charges Management on Revenue Generation

By: Bola Giwa

The newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Adesoji Adewuyi, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Sports Council, where he was warmly received by the management, staff and athletes of the Council.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Permanent Secretary to familiarise himself with the Council’s facilities, interact with personnel and athletes, and gain first-hand insight into the operations and aspirations of the sports administration.

Mr Adewuyi, who toured various sections of the Council, took time to engage the athletes, offering words of encouragement and fatherly advice. He urged them to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their training, stressing that sporting excellence requires patience, consistency and good character.

While interacting with members of staff, the Permanent Secretary also emphasised the importance of workplace etiquette, discipline and strict adherence to the public service code of conduct.

During a closed-door meeting with the management team, the Acting Director of Sports, Mr. Oluseyi Sonde, delivered the welcome address. The meeting, moderated by the Head of Public Relations, Bola Giwa, alongside her colleagues, provided an avenue for frank discussions on the development and future direction of sports in Ogun State.

In his welcome remarks, the Acting Director of Sports assured the Permanent Secretary of the Council’s commitment to supporting the administration’s vision for sports development.

“Sir, we are not only welcoming a Permanent Secretary today; we are welcoming a new energy and a new direction. Our athletes have the talent, our coaches have the experience, and our staff have the commitment. What we need is the right support and strategy to turn these ingredients into greater sporting success for Ogun State,” Ag, Sonde said.

He added: “We are ready to work with you. Whatever policy or initiative will move Ogun sports forward, you will find the Sports Council ready to run with it.”

Responding, Mr Adewuyi challenged the management to look beyond dependence on government subventions and explore sustainable revenue-generating opportunities that could strengthen the Council while also contributing to the economic development of the state.

“Government will continue to do its part, but the Sports Council must also learn to create opportunities for itself. We cannot always wait for government funding before we act. Let us look around us and ask: what do we have, what can we develop, and how can it generate value?” PS. Adewuyi stated.

He further explained that the Council’s assets, facilities, programmes and sporting activities could be strategically positioned to generate revenue in ways that would benefit both the state government and the Council.

“I want us to stretch our legs beyond the usual. Let us think commercially, but within government regulations. If we can create revenue from what we already have, the state benefits, the Council benefits, our athletes benefit, and ultimately, sports development benefits,” he added.

The Permanent Secretary also encouraged the management and staff to embrace teamwork, professionalism and innovative thinking, noting that the success of any organisation depends largely on the commitment of its workforce.

The Director of Administrative and Supplies, Mr. Ogunfodunrin A. Olalekan, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the Permanent Secretary for choosing to begin his engagement with the Council through a personal visit.

The visit ended on a positive note, with management and staff expressing optimism that the new leadership at the Ministry would further strengthen collaboration and usher in fresh opportunities for the growth and development of sports in Ogun State.

Ogun Coaches Meet to Chart New Course for Improved Sporting Performance

The coaching department of the Ogun State Sports Council has held a strategic meeting with coaches across various sporting disciplines, aimed at strengthening professional standards, improving athletes’ development and enhancing the overall performance of Team Ogun.

The meeting was led by the Director of Coaching, Mr Kehinde Ijaola, alongside his Deputy, Coach Adewale Sukanmi, who engaged the coaches on issues relating to effective coaching, discipline, athletes’ welfare and the need for improved coordination within the coaching structure.

The meeting provided an avenue for the coaches to review their responsibilities, identify areas requiring improvement and discuss practical approaches to developing athletes from the grassroots level to elite competition.

Addressing the coaches, Ijaola stressed the importance of professionalism, commitment and continuous learning, noting that the quality of coaching has a direct impact on the performance, character and future of athletes.

He urged coaches to take their responsibilities seriously, maintain proper training records and adopt modern coaching methods while ensuring that every athlete is given appropriate attention according to their age, ability and developmental needs.

The Director further advised the coaches to work as a team, share knowledge and experiences, and avoid unhealthy competition among themselves, stressing that their collective responsibility was to build athletes capable of representing Ogun State and Nigeria successfully at major competitions.

He also emphasised discipline and good communication, encouraging coaches to serve as positive role models to their athletes and to always place the welfare and long-term development of the athletes above personal interests.

The Deputy Director of Coaching, Coach Adewale Sukanmi, also encouraged the coaches to remain dedicated to their duties and embrace teamwork, noting that consistent training, proper monitoring and effective collaboration among coaches would produce better results.

The meeting ended with a renewed call for coaches to be proactive, disciplined and committed to the development of sporting talents in Ogun State, as the coaching department continues to strengthen the foundation for greater achievements in both local and national competitions.

By: Bola Giwa
Public Relations Officer
Ogun State Sports Council

Balogun Brothers Shine as Ogun State Stars at 7th Efunkoya National Table Tennis Competition

By Bola Giwa

Ogun State’s table tennis rising stars, Mubarak Balogun and his younger brother, Mustapha Balogun, delivered an impressive performance at the 7th Edition of the Efunkoya National Table Tennis Competition in Lagos, further underlining their growing prominence on the national table tennis scene.

The competition, which commenced on August 10 and ended today, August 15, brought together almost 50 clubs and state teams from across Nigeria. Among the participating contingents were Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Katsina, Lagos, Kogi, Kwara, Osun, Oyo and Ogun States, alongside clubs including Adura Club and Hazmat Rasaq Omolade Table Tennis Club.

The tournament was held at the Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, a recognised venue for major sporting activities, including table tennis.

Leading Ogun State’s contingent was the state’s Table Tennis Head Coach, Coach Alaba Amusa, whose guidance contributed to the athletes’ strong showing at the competition.
Mubarak leads the charge

The spotlight, however, belonged firmly to the Balogun brothers.
Mubarak Balogun, the eldest of the Balogun boys, emerged as the champion of the Men’s Singles event, winning the coveted trophy after an impressive campaign against a strong field of competitors.

His outstanding performance earned him an additional honour as the Best Overall Male Player of the competition, making the tournament a particularly memorable outing for the Ogun State representative.

Not to be outdone, his younger brother Mustapha Balogun also made his mark, securing a bronze medal in the Boys Doubles event alongside Mubarak.

Their combined achievement represents more than a medal haul for Ogun State. It is a clear indication that the Balogun brothers are steadily establishing themselves as players to watch in Nigerian table tennis.
Brothers carving a path

The Balogun brothers’ performance at the Efunkoya competition adds another chapter to their emerging journey in the sport. With Mubarak claiming the singles crown and overall male-player honour, while Mustapha contributed to a mixed-doubles podium finish, the brothers demonstrated both individual quality and the ability to perform under competitive pressure.

Their success also highlights the importance of sustained coaching, exposure to quality opposition and participation in national competitions in developing athletes capable of representing Ogun State at higher levels.

For Ogun State, the achievements of Mubarak and Mustapha provide fresh encouragement for the continued development of table tennis talent in the state. Their progress is gradually making the Balogun name one to watch across Nigeria’s table tennis courts.

As the curtain falls on the 7th Efunkoya National Table Tennis Competition, the Balogun brothers leave Lagos with a trophy, a bronze medal and, perhaps most importantly, a growing reputation as young athletes steadily paving their own way in Nigerian table tennis.

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UK Boxing Delegation Visits Ogun Sports Council, Strengthens Peacebuilding Through Sport Initiative

By Bola Giwa

ABEOKUTA – A high-powered delegation from the United Kingdom on Tuesday visited the Ogun State Sports Council to advance a peacebuilding initiative that harnesses boxing as a tool for youth empowerment, violence prevention and community development.

The delegation, led by the Founder of Empire Fighting Chance, Mr Martin Bisp, included the Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing, Alex, and the facilitator of the Peace Initiative Network (PIN), Mr Femi Sodipo.

They were received by the Acting Director of Sports, Mr Oluseyi Sonde, alongside the Director of Coaching, Mr Kehinde Ijaola, management staff, coaches and athletes at the Council's headquarters in Abeokuta.

In his welcome remarks, Mr Sonde applauded the visitors for bringing the initiative to Ogun State, describing sports as a powerful instrument for promoting peace, unity and youth development.

"We are delighted to welcome you to Ogun State Sports Council. Your visit and support reaffirm the growing role of sports inpp transforming lives, empowering young people and fostering peaceful communities. We appreciate this partnership and look forward to its long-term impact," he said.

As part of the visit, the delegation presented boxing equipment and other sporting gifts donated by Nigerian-born former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to support grassroots boxing development in the state.

The visitors also held practical training sessions with coaches and athletes, demonstrating modern coaching techniques and introducing the internationally recognised Fight for Peace model, which combines boxing with mentorship and psychosocial support to positively engage young people.

Speaking during the engagement, Martin Bisp said the initiative seeks to equip local communities with sustainable programmes that use boxing to steer young people away from violence and create opportunities for education, employment and personal growth.

Alex reiterated Matchroom Boxing's commitment to ensuring the sport creates lasting social impact beyond competition, while Sodipo described the collaboration as another significant step in positioning Ogun State as a leading hub for peacebuilding through sport and international partnerships.

The visit formed part of ongoing activities designed to establish a sustainable boxing-for-development programme in Nigeria through collaboration between Empire Fighting Chance, Matchroom Boxing, the Peace Initiative Network and key sports stakeholders.

Nigeria's Squash Team Arrives in Canada After Visa Delay

Nigeria's representatives to the 2026 World Junior Team Squash Championships held in Canada, have safely arrived in Canada after overcoming visa-related delays that initially threatened their participation.

Among the contingent is Ogun State Sports Council-trained squash player, Awawu Balogun, whose inclusion reflects the Council's commitment to developing athletes capable of competing on the global stage.

As the team begins its campaign, Nigerians remain hopeful that the players will make the nation proud by delivering outstanding performances and bringing honour to the country.

*Wasiu Table Tennis Club Hosts Grassroots Tournament in Ogun*

The Wasiu Table Tennis Club successfully staged a two-day grassroots table tennis tournament from April 8 to 9, 2026, at the Alake Sports Center, drawing young talents from across Ogun State and beyond.

The competition featured budding athletes in the Under-8, Under-12, and Under-15 categories, providing a vibrant platform for early talent discovery and development. The event underscored the club’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of table tennis stars at the grassroots level.

Speaking at the event, on behalf of the founder of the Wasiu Table Tennis Club, Alhaji Wasiu Adeshina, The head coach of Table Tennis, Coach Alaba Amusa, highlighted that the primary aim of the tournament is to promote youth participation in sports while identifying and grooming young players with the potential to excel at state, national, and international levels.

Beyond talent discovery, the tournament also focused on instilling discipline, sportsmanship, and a competitive spirit among participants. It served as an avenue to engage children positively, steer them away from social vices, and encourage healthy lifestyles through regular sporting activities.

Additionally, the initiative aims to:

Strengthen grassroots sports development in Ogun State

Provide exposure and competitive experience for young players

Create pathways for future representation at higher competitions

Foster unity and interaction among young athletes

The atmosphere at the venue was lively, with coaches, parents, and sports enthusiasts in attendance, cheering the young players and celebrating their efforts. Many participants displayed impressive skills, signaling a bright future for table tennis in the state.

The Wasiu Table Tennis Club reaffirmed that the its dedication to sustaining such developmental programs, emphasizing that consistent grassroots competitions remain key to building champions and elevating Nigeria’s status in the sport.