By Ayo Arowojolu
It’s the season of showing for Ogun State beginning from today, Friday 16th May, 2025, as over 15,000 visitors comprising sportsmen and women as well as fun loving Nigerians pour into Abeokuta to witness the formal flag-off of the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival.
Indeed, it’s a moment to marvel at the breathtaking sight that the MKO Abiola Stadium, now renamed the MKO Abiola International Sports Arena, has become.
Successive Administrations in the Gateway State did their best in times past to repaint and refurbish the Stadium but the current effort put in place by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun can be termed a total overhaul and complete rejuvenation.
Excitement is already in the air as enthusiastic fans are in frenzy savouring the razzmatazz of the festival.
The Festival, it is anticipated, will not only help to boost the economy of the ancient capital but will also help to discover new talents for national and international competitions.
For Governor Abiodun, hosting of the sporting fiesta is an opportunity for Ogun State to re-establish its enviable position in sporting activities in Nigeria.
According to him, the State’s investment in sports is already paying off as the Gateway State has been selected to host the 2026 Africa Under-20 Athletics Competition.
Speaking during the week while hosting top media executives, the State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka disclosed that a number of facilities within Abeokuta and other parts of the state would be refurbished, upgraded and transformed into arenas of glory where future national stars will compete, inspire and make history.
Hon. Wasiu highlighted the upgraded facilities, including the M.K.O Abiola International Sports Arena, which now boasts of an Olympic-standard swimming pool, four lawn tennis courts, handball courts, volleyball courts, and hockey courts.
According to the Commissioner, the festival will take place simultaneously in different locations, including Ikenne, Sagamu and Abeokuta.
He also said significant investments have also been made in upgrading the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja, Abeokuta.
Beyond sports, the State is also enhancing tourism to maximize the festival’s economic impact, with the mammoth crowd of over 15,000 visitors expected.
Also, there are plans to construct a new pavilion for non-sporting events adding that Ogun State remains committed to excellence in sports and tourism.
Wasiu emphasized: “With all these developments, we are setting a new standard for sports infrastructure in Nigeria. Our Administration will continue to invest in initiatives that position Ogun as a hub for major sporting and economic activities”.
