The 22nd National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sport event in Nigeria, is slated to take place in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th, 2025. This follows two postponements from the initially proposed date of November 2024 and a subsequent rescheduling to January 2025. Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the festival, has affirmed Ogun State’s readiness to host the games, emphasizing that the latest date adjustment was strategic rather than indicative of unpreparedness. He highlighted ongoing preparations, including facility upgrades and the introduction of innovative concepts.
Olopade’s assurances come amidst concerns raised by the repeated postponements. He pointed to ongoing work at key sporting venues, including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, the Alake Sports Centre, and the Remo Stars Stadium, as evidence of the state’s commitment. The Remo Stars Stadium, for instance, has seen the addition of outdoor basketball courts and a sitting terrace. Furthermore, Olopade underscored the symbolic significance of having Anthony Joshua, a prominent figure in the world of boxing, light the torch at the opening ceremony, an event intended to elevate the festival’s profile.
A key innovation for the 2024 Games is the inclusion of a “38th state” comprised of promising young athletes. This initiative aims to provide a platform for emerging talent to compete alongside established athletes, aligning with President Tinubu’s mandate to promote talent development and innovation in Nigerian sports. This strategic move is expected to not only expose young athletes to high-level competition but also contribute to the long-term growth and development of Nigerian sports.
The decision to include a contingent of young, promising athletes reflects a broader focus on the future of Nigerian sports. By providing these athletes with a platform to showcase their skills and compete against seasoned professionals, the festival organizers aim to foster a new generation of talent and ensure the continued success of Nigerian athletics on the national and international stage. This initiative is in line with a global trend of prioritizing youth development in sports and recognizing the importance of early exposure to competitive environments.
The Ogun State government’s commitment to hosting a successful National Sports Festival is evident in the ongoing infrastructure developments and the innovative approach to athlete participation. The renovations and upgrades at various sporting venues aim to provide state-of-the-art facilities for the athletes, ensuring optimal conditions for competition. The selection of Babcock University as the Games Village further demonstrates the state’s commitment to providing a comfortable and convenient environment for the participating athletes.
The 2024 National Sports Festival is poised to be a significant event in the Nigerian sporting calendar. With the participation of approximately 15,000 athletes, the festival will showcase the diversity and depth of talent across various sporting disciplines. The Joint Technical Committee is scheduled to conduct a second meeting and inspection visit to address any remaining logistical and operational issues before the commencement of the games, ensuring a smooth and successful event. The festival is expected to not only celebrate athletic achievement but also contribute to the overall development of sports in Nigeria.
