All is now set for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State as Governor Dapo Abiodun on Thursday embarked on another tour of the facilities meant to host the event.
The governor, during an assessment of the work done on the facilities being prepared for athletes participating in the sports festival, including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, the Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and handball court behind the main bowl, as well as the Alake Sports Centre, all in Abeokuta, said Ogun State is ready for the festival.
According to the governor, the facilities put in place will not only be used for the upcoming festival but also other competitions, national and international.
Abiodun added that the MKO Abiola International Stadium, which is being renovated in preparation for the National Sports Festival has already been picked by the African Athletics Federation to host the Under-20 athletics competition in 2026.
The stadium, when completed in preparation for the festival, will no longer be available for non-sporting events in the state, the governor said.
He said: “The track that we installed here has already begun to reap benefits.
The African Athletics Federation, because of the quality of our tracks, has chosen Ogun State to host the athletics competition in 2026 for the Under-20.
“So, you find that based on what we have done, Ogun State will now become home to other world-class competitions across the country, across sub-Saharan Africa, and even internationally.
“For us, we are already excited that this investment has begun to yield dividends.
The governor noted that 15,000 people are expected to attend the National Sports Festival, adding that his administration is working to get the Olumo Rock Tourist Center and other adjoining tourist centers ready for the games.
“The festival itself will allow us to host maybe 15,000 people in the city of Abeokuta. You can imagine that those people will be eating and drinking; they will be transported back and forth. They will be buying recharge cards and water.