As Ogun State prepares to host the 2024 National Sports Festival, the State Government has said that it would adopt a catch-them-young approach to scoop out talents in secondary schools.

The Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, said this while playing host to the Grand Union of Private Schools Associations (GUPSA) at the Conference Room of the Ministry, in Abeokuta.

Isiaka noted that schools’ annual Inter-House Sports is one of the many ways through which talents are discovered to represent the state in local, national and international competitions.

The commissioner stated that government would provide the enabling environment for sports to thrive in Ogun, adding that plans are underway to resuscitate several secondary school and tertiary institution games, like the Gateway Tertiary Institution Games (GATIG), Governor’s Cup, Principal’s Cup among others.

Isiaka noted that most states in Nigeria do not possess the quality of sporting facilities available in Ogun.

He urged the people to collaborate with his Ministry to not only bring out the best in these budding talents, but to also suggest ideas that would help develop sports in the state.

He disclosed that while Ogun is trying to bring out the best potential in school children, their educational careers will also be guarded jealously.

“In each senatorial zone in Ogun State, we have at least one stadium, and for us to utilize and make good use of these facilities, we are ready to partner with anybody that would help add value to our children, especially the society and what will make our State progress. We are ready to partner with you and make those facilities available,” Isiaka said.