Runsewe commends Gov Abiodun for honouring Odegbami

President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has commended Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for honouring Nigeria’s football legend and former Green Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, as the Grand Sports Ambassador, the first in the history of the state.

Odegbami, 1980 AFCON winner nicknamed ‘Mathematical’ by the late football commentator, Ernest Okonkwo, won the Nigerian Premier League with Shooting Stars in 1976, 1980, and 1983.

According to Runsewe, by appointing Odegbami as the Grand Ambassador, the governor had set a precedent for recognising national heroes while they were alive.

He said, “I want to sincerely commend the governor for this initiative, which has indeed opened a new chapter in celebrating Nigeria’s sporting heroes, while they are still alive.

“Honouring sports heroes while they’re still alive allows them to appreciate the recognition and enables future generations to learn from their experiences.

“Celebrating sports achievements can foster a culture of excellence, driving sports development, inspiring young athletes, highlighting the importance of sports in Nigerian culture, promoting national pride and identity.”

The NGF boss praised the governor saying he was very much concerned about the growth and development of sports at the grassroots adding that by honouring Odegbami, he (the governor) had demonstrated a commitment to promoting sports development and celebrating Nigeria’s sporting heritage.

Sporting Tribune reports that the ambassadorial comes with a mandate to supervise the evolution of a sports ecosystem in Ogun State during and beyond the upcoming 2025 Gateway Games.