Tag: National Sports Festival

• By Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji

Barely 24 hours to the National Sports Festival, Nigeria’s finest Athletes set to shine in Abeokuta.

The National Sports Festival is a premier multi-sport event in Nigeria that brings together athletes from across the country to compete in various disciplines.

This year’s edition, hosted by Ogun State, is expected to showcase the state’s hospitality and economic potentials. Beyond the sporting spectacle, the festival is anticipated to have a significant impact on Ogun state’s economy.

The National Sports Festival is a testament to Ogun State’s commitment to sports development. The state’s government has invested heavily in sports infrastructure and programmes, promoting a healthy lifestyle among its residents.

Hosting a major event like the National Sports Festival require significant investment on infrastructure, including sports facilities, transportation, and accommodation. Ogun State has invested heavily in upgrading its infrastructure, which is expected to attract tourists and businesses to the state. This investment will not only benefit the state’s economy but also enhance the quality of life for its residents.

One of the key economic benefits of hosting the National Sports Festival is the creation of jobs. The event will attract thousands of visitors, including athletes, officials, and spectators, who will require accommodation, food, transportation and other services. This will create opportunities for locals to earn a living and boost the state’s economy.

The economic benefits of hosting the National Sports Festival will not be limited to the duration of the event. The infrastructure developed for the festival will have a lasting impact on the state’s economy, attracting investors and tourists in the long term.

The NSF will also provide a platform for Ogun State to showcase its tourism potential. The state’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality make it an attractive destination for tourists. One of the centres of attraction is the newly refurbished Olumo Rock which stands as a silent witness to history, threads of tradition and woven in colour. The place is a symbol of Egba people’s history and traditional governance.

The festival will also have a positive impact on the state’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Local businesses will benefit from increased demand for goods and services, including food, beverages, and souvenirs. This will provide an opportunity for SMEs to grow and expand their businesses.

In addition to the economic benefits, the National Sports Festival will also promote unity and integration among Nigerians. The event will bring together athletes and spectators from different parts of the country, fostering a sense of national identity and camaraderie.

Read Also: Uzodinma  receives National Sports Festival Torch in Owerri

The festival will also provide a platform for Ogun State to showcase its sporting talent. The state’s athletes have been training hard to make a mark in the various disciplines, and the festival will provide them with an opportunity to shine. Kudos must be given to the Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON for providing a conducive environment for the state’s athletes to prepare themselves for the festival. The athletes have no reason to fail with the high level of exposure and trial competitions provided for them by the Ogun state government.

The National Sports Festival is expected to attract significant media attention, which will promote Ogun State’s image and reputation. The state’s hospitality, infrastructure, and attractions will be showcased to a national and international audience, attracting potential investors and tourists.

The remodelled long-overdue MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Kuto, Abeokuta venue for the major track and field events has worn a beautiful look as the exterior and interior designs of the stadium indicate the readiness of Ogun state government to host athletes and stakeholders in the sporting world and treat them to a wonderful time. A visit to the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja area of Abeokuta, venue for the hosting of indoor games like squash, volleyball, basketball, handball, table tennis, badminton and other combat games, revealed that everything is in good shape and awaiting the arrival of participating teams. Thankfully, the first ever Olympics standard size swimming pool has been provided which will serve as another standing signature on infrastructural development by Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration under the I.S.E.Y.A agenda of his administration.

Designated centres for economic activities have been allocated to traders in such a way that their operations will not affect the beautification of the stadium for the National Sports Festival tagged: the “Gateway Games 2024”.

By facilitating these sporting facilities, Governor Abiodun has etched his name in gold in the annals of Ogun state development. Until his recent intervention, the Ijeja sports complex had suffered reckless abandon under the past successive administrations in the state. The best they had ever done was seasonal painting as palliative measure.

In all of these performance indicators, Governor Abiodun has greatly improved the economic prosperity of the state. The economic value of the National Sports Festival within the two weeks duration cannot be quantified and the multiplier effect of the festival cannot be measured for the two weeks events. Already, before the commencement of the Nigeria’s Olympics, Ogun state is reaping the economic benefits of the sports infrastructure. Three major international events have been secured to take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Kuto in Abeokuta. The combined 3rd U18/U20 athletics championships, scheduled to hold from July 16 to 20, 2025 has also been pitched to take place at the stadium. Nigeria’s female national team, the Super Falcons will play their international friendly match against Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon at the remodelled pitch of the MKO Abiola Sports complex on June 3rd, 2025 to prepare them for the African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) coming up in Morocco in July. The magnificent stadium will also host the West African Football Union Zone B U-17 championship later in September, 2025. The buzzing night economy within the sprawling stadium will give life back to the once upon a time deserted abode for socialites and night rockers.

To ensure the success of the festival, Ogun State has put in place elaborate security arrangements. The state’s security agencies and national security have been working tirelessly to ensure that athletes, officials, and spectators have a safe and enjoyable experience.

The National Sports Festival will also have a positive impact on the state’s agriculture sector. Local farmers will benefit from increased demand for foodstuffs, which will boost their income and improve their livelihoods.

The festival will also provide an opportunity for Ogun State to showcase its entrepreneurial spirit. Local entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services, attracting potential investors and partners.

The economic benefits of hosting the National Sports Festival will be felt beyond Ogun State. The event will attract visitors from across the country, promoting inter-state trade and commerce.

As the countdown stops tomorrow, the vibrant city of Abeokuta will come alive as top athletes from every corner of Nigeria converge for an exhilarating showcase of talent, determination, and sportsmanship. Abeokuta is ready. The athletes are ready. Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Nigeria’s sporting future unfolds.

From May 16th to 30th, 2025, the  M.K.O. Abiola Sports Complex and other sports centres will transform into battlegrounds where champions are made. Whether you’re a fan of track, field, or team sports, this event promises unforgettable moments and fierce competition. 

Omo Ogun, Iseya

• Ogunsiji, is the Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the  Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

Ahead of the 22^nd  National Sports Festival, slated for Ogun State  between May 16  and  May 30, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has received the Torch of Unity from the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, highlighted the importance of peace and unity, stating that sports promote unity, discipline, love and friendship among citizens of a nation.

According to him, the Gateway Games will provide another opportunity to promote unity amongst athletes, pointing out that sport is the only vehicle that has continued to put the country on the path of unity, irrespective of religion and tribe.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of sports in Bayelsa State, adding that the state’s performance in the just-concluded Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo was a testament to the abundance of talents in the state.

He urged athletes to adequately prepare themselves for the festival, stressing that there is a huge task ahead to surpass the record they set in 2022 in Asaba, Delta State, where Bayelsa finished 2^nd  in the NSF for the first time, maintaining that Bayelsa had gone beyond the level of participation to winning laurels.

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He said his administration was committed to completing the 25,000-capacity stadium for the state athletes to compete favourably with their peers outside Bayelsa, stressing that sports remained one of his government’s cardinal programmes.

Diri said: “Bayelsa has taken sports as a major tool to take our youths away from crime and drugs, because every youth that is into sports can hardly be a criminal. We are also using it to control drugs because drugs and sports are diametrically opposed to each other.

“We are taking sports seriously to ensure that our youths get out of drugs and earn a living through sports. As we speak, two Bayelsans are currently in the U-20 national football team in Egypt for the U-20 Africa Championship.”

Earlier, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, praised the government’s contributions to the development of sports in the state, describing the event as symbolic.

Also speaking, leader of the National Sports Commission delegation, Mrs. Ikana Mbora, said the festival would be an exhilarating experience and expressed the commitment of the commission to ensure its success.

In separate goodwill messages, Chairman House Committee on Sports, Barrister Tare Porri and Director of  Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, expressed readiness for the fiesta, adding that camping had already commenced for the athletes.

Ogun State is set to showcase over 742 athletes across various sports at the 22nd National Sports Festival, scheduled from May 16 to 30.

Speaking recently in Abeokuta, the state capital, Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to compete favourably at the festival. He noted that the athletes are currently in camp, preparing diligently for the games.

“Apart from ensuring that we stage the best National Sports Festival, we are also ready to compete fairly against other teams as the host.

“Over 742 athletes in all sports will represent us at the 22nd edition of Nigeria’s version of the Olympic Games. Our athletes are receiving adequate preparation, and they are all in camp, training earnestly for the games.

Read Also: Fixed calendar approved  for National Sports Festival as 32 sports get the nod

“We want to compete very well and ensure our athletes receive the right training ahead of the festival. Some of them are in Lagos, Ilaro, and across the state, working tirelessly for the event. We are aware of the pressure on them as host athletes, but we are allowing them to use some of the facilities that will be used for the games, so they can get accustomed to them before the festival,” Isiaka said.

Beyond the festival, the commissioner emphasised the festival’s role in redirecting the focus of the state’s youth towards sports.

He mentioned that most of the facilities would be made available to the youth after the festival.

“We understand the impact of sports, and we don’t just want to host for hosting’s sake. We aim to galvanise the interest of the youth in sports. Apart from being a lucrative venture, sports teach life lessons like discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

In a bid to enhance the operational effectiveness and overall performance of Nigerian athletes, the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) memorandum towards a fixed period for the National Sports Festival (NSF), as well as an affirmation of the Rules to streamline the number of sports at the festival has been approved by the National Council on Sports.

The both memoranda were presented at the Extraordinary National Council of Sports meeting that took place on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State and were approved accordingly.

In a communiqué signed by the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, it noted that the Council gave its approval for the National Sports Festival to be held between November and December of the Festival year.

The decision was reached in order to align with international best practices, as it is essential to maintain a stable and predictable sports calendar for our traditional national competitions such as the National Sports Festival.

A fixed period for the NSF would improve organization, participant engagement, financial and logistical efficiency, and marketing and sponsorship opportunities of the NSF.

The Communiqué also stated that the Council reaffirmed its decision on Rule 11 (i), (ii), and (iii) of the 2024 National Sports Festival General Rules and Regulations, as reached at the Extraordinary Council Meeting held in Benin City, Edo State on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

The Rule 11(i) stated that a maximum of 32 sports shall feature at the Festival (27 compulsory and 5 optional).

Rule 11(ii) affirmed that the compulsory sports were selected based on their popularity in the 36 states, including the FCT, State entries in the sports in previous Festivals, and the standard of Nigeria’s participation in the sport at the international level.

Read Also: Ogun ready to host 22nd National Sports Festival, says Olopade

Rule 11(iii) stated that the Host State is at liberty to select a maximum of 5 sports out of the 25 optional sports to make up the 32 sports to feature at the Festival.

This move will help stabilize the number of sports at the multisport events, to mitigate irregular changes that may affect management and organization of the Games.

The Council commended the Federal Government for its dedication to developing sports in the country by establishing the NSC.

The Council also appreciated the Ogun State Government for their commitment to hosting the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival.

The 22^nd  National Sports Festival, Gateway Games, will take place from May 18-30, 2025 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

•  Ogun unveils  logo, theme song, mascot

The National Sports Commission (NSC) , Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, believes an  Olympics-standard National Sports Festival in Abeokuta will be the true test of the ongoing reforms in the Nigerian sports sector.

On Tuesday, organisers  unveiled  the logo, theme song and mascot for the 22^nd  National Sports Festival, tagged the Gateway Games at a colourful ceremony at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta.

The NSC chairman who is  the chairman of the National Council on Sports which comprised all the commissioners of sports and Directors of sports from across all the 36 States plus FCT and other stakeholders, said as  much while virtually delivering a keynote address from Milan, Italy to yesterday’s  opening ceremony of the Extraordinary National Council on Sports meeting- the apex policy decision-making body for sports- in Abeokuta.

While hailing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the bold decision to scrap the Federal Ministry of Sports for the National Sports Commission and the deliberate and intentional decisions to advance sports, Mallam Dikko pointed out that this has set the tone for the reforms in the sector.

His words: “Mr. President is noted for taking very bold decisions. The decision to reintroduce the NSC was a very bold one and truly challenged us. The current status has placed sports as a national asset and the necessary legislations and regulations  supporting the sector are being facilitated.

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“We aligned with the President’s Renewed Hope and Shared prosperity agenda and came up with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy (RHINSE) to anchor the reforms agenda. This has taken us to a road less-travelled. So we are no longer competition driven but we are focusing on the domestic development of our sports from the grassroots to the elite levels. Hence we have set the three Rs namely Reset, Refocus and Relaunch as the key pillars.

“We are very deliberate with what we are doing. The private sector has to be more involved in our sports development; our infrastructure should be refurbished and up scaled while we must place more emphasis on grassroots and schools sports. We must focus on talent development. If we get this right, we can generate immense revenue through the export of talents. The target is basically to make sports a huge contributor to the nation’s economy and one of its major drivers.”

Considering this, the importance of the National Council on Sports Extraordinary Meeting cannot be overemphasized.

“All these reforms mean that the National Council on Sports has to align appropriately and ensure that the 22nd National Sports Festival to be hosted by Abeokuta should be the best ever. We should host an Olympics-standard Festival that will set a benchmark for future editions,” he said.

While welcoming the Council members to the extraordinary meeting, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Deputy Governor Eng. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, assured that the state will host a memorable Sports Festival.

He said:  “National Council on Sports as the apex sports decision-making body plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports in our nation. This meeting will usher in the 22nd National Sports Festival Ogun 2025. Just yesterday we unveiled the official logo, theme song and mascot. All these speak to our commitment to delivering a world-class Sports Festival in May.”

After four days of gruelling action, qualifiers have emerged from the North West Zonal Elimination of the team sports featuring at the 22^nd  National Sports Festival Abeokuta 2025.

 The North West Zonal Eliminations took place at the Murtala Square Kaduna.

It will be noted that seven team sports were competed for at the North West Zone namely football, cricket, handball, volleyball, beach volleyball, hockey and basketball. Abula couldn’t feature in the North West zone because none of the states registered for it.

Six states Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Jigawa and Katsina participated at the zonal eliminations. The only North West state absent due to lack of funds was Kebbi.

Top two teams in each of the sports qualified for the National Sports Festival. Football was the last sport to be decided. Kaduna and Kano had secured the tickets yesterday but the classification game (final) took place yesterday  to decide 1st and 2nd positions. Kaduna beat Kano 1-0 to finish top.

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Here is a breakdown of all the qualifiers.

BASKETBALL (M)

1^st   -Kaduna

2^nd  – Jigawa

BASKETBALL (F)

 1^st : Zamfara

2^nd  – Kaduna

HANDBALL  (M)

 1^st  – Sokoto

2^nd  –  Kano

HANDBALL (F)

1st – Sokoto

2nd – Kano

CRICKET  (M)

1^st  – Kaduna

2^nd  – Zamfara

CRICKET (F)

 1^st  – Kaduna

2^nd  – Zamfara

BEACH VOLLEYBALL (M)

1s t: Kaduna

2^nd : Kano

BEACH VOLLEYBALL ( F)

1^st : Kaduna

2^nd  – Zamfara

HOCKEY ( M)

1^st  – Kaduna

2^nd  – Katsina

HOCKEY (F)

Only Kaduna registered and qualified

VOLLEYBALL ( M)

1^st – Kano

2^nd  –  Katsina

 VOLLEYBALL (F)

1^st -Katsina

2^nd -Kaduna

FOOTBALL

1^st  – Kaduna

2^nd -Kano

• From Joel Duku

The Northeast Zonal Team Sports Competition yesterday began  in Damaturu, Yobe State, as part of preparations for the final selection of athletes for this year’s National Sports Festival holding in May in Ogun State.

Declaring the event open, Governor Mai Mala Buni urged all athletes to compete fairly, assuring them that the state has taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth and successful tournament.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mohammed M. Balumi, Governor Buni emphasized his administration’s commitment to the development and welfare of athletes.

He also encouraged participants to embrace the hospitality of Yobe State while assuring them of their safety throughout the competition.

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The Zonal Coordinator of Sports at the National Sports Commission, Okey Emmanuel, described the event as Nigeria’s equivalent of the Olympics, underscoring the importance of selecting only the best athletes for the festival.

 “This competition is like Nigeria’s Olympics, and only the best of the best will be selected. I urge all athletes to play by the rules and make their respective states proud,” he stated.

The zonal elimination championship, which will run for four days, features athletes from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.

He commended the Yobe State Government for hosting the event while urging journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession.

The team games featuring in the zonal elimination are football, hockey, volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, handball, cricket and Abuja.