Following the mesmerising run by the Ogun state scrabble team at the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival, Nilayo Sports Boss Bukola Olopade has declared to bankroll a tournament in the state.
Olopade who was a former Ogun State Commissioner has been following the development of scrabble in since the new state executive took charge on August 26.
Under his guide, he midwived the rebirth of various sports associations which culminated into a commendable outing at the 2006 edition of the festival hosted by the state.
Hence reconnecting with the continuous progressive moves of the Ogun State Scrabble Association at repositioning the sport did re-ignited the relationship.
Speaking during his visit to the venue where scrabble event was taking place, Olopade whose company is consulting for the Festival was full of commendation on the leaps the sport has taken in the state in recent times.
He subsequently, presented a cash reward to the Ogun State female team who won gold in the doubles and thereafter, offered to sponsor a tournament in the state.
Players and officials who witnessed the benevolence of Mr Olopade were full of appreciation for his surprising support for scrabble.
OSSA chairman Adekoyejo Adegbesan who was a classmate of Olopade whose firm is behind the success of the Lagos City Marathon and other major marathons in the country said he was grateful for the gesture while urging more individuals and corporate organisations to team up with the state in driving the sport to massive level.
Under the new OSSA leadership, scrabble has witnessed a total turnaround with the renovation of the playing hall at Ijeja, Abeokuta with a staff fully employed, prompt payment of players’ camp allowance and generating a register for them and giving them a sense of belonging.
It would also be recalled that two coaches in October, were sponsored to the African Scrabble Championship in Lusaka, Zambia for capacity building.
Ogun State has won a gold and a silver at the Delta 2022 National Sports Festival.
