Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, has lauded Ogun State’s swimming sensation, Tobiloba Omolola, following her remarkable performance at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” here in Abeokuta. Omolola has not only clinched multiple gold medals for Team Ogun but also set new National Sports Festival records, inspiring a new generation of athletes across the state.
Tobiloba Omolola has proven to be a dominant force in the pool, notably setting a new National Record and Festival Record in the 800m freestyle women’s event with a time of 10:22.32 seconds. She further cemented her place in history by setting a new festival record in the 400m freestyle women’s event, clocking 4:53.34 seconds.
Her electrifying displays have made her a focal point of the games, drawing enthusiastic crowds to the MKO Abiola International Stadium. She has also gone on to win a third gold medal in the Women’s 200 metres backstroke, demonstrating her versatility and consistent excellence.
Commissioner Isiaka expressed immense pride in Omolola’s achievements, describing her as a “sensational and highly skilled athlete” and one of the most formidable competitors at the festival. “Tobiloba Omolola is not just an exceptional swimmer; she’s an athlete of note. We are proud to have her represent Team Ogun, and her incredible performance will be fully rewarded,” the Commissioner stated. It was also revealed that Omolola’s gold medal win in the 800m freestyle earned her a cash prize of N2.5 million, part of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s incentive program for medalists.
The Commissioner reiterated Ogun State’s unwavering commitment to supporting and developing athletes like Omolola, whose successes bring immense pride and prestige to the state’s sporting community. He emphasized that her achievements are a shining example of what dedication and hard work can accomplish.
“Her success is a shining example of what is possible with hard work and focus. We are proud to have her as one of our own, and I want her to know that the entire Ogun State sporting community stands firmly behind her,” Isiaka declared.
Omolola, who reportedly returned from the United Kingdom to compete for her home state, has spoken of her mental resilience being key to her victories, especially in endurance events like the 800m freestyle. At just 15 years old, her accomplishments are all the more remarkable.
Drawing a parallel to a global icon, Commissioner Isiaka optimistically stated, “Like an ardent follower of the great Michael Phelps of the USA, this is just the beginning, Tobiloba.”
Ogun State continues to demonstrate its commitment to sports development, with Commissioner Isiaka assuring that facilities used for the National Sports Festival would be properly maintained and further developed through public-private partnerships, aiming to make Ogun State a hub for sports in Nigeria.
