The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has declared that Ogun State is on track to host the most ambitious and inclusive edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) in the history of the competition, as preparations intensify ahead of the multi-sport event.
Speaking during a high-level inspection tour of facilities in Abeokuta, Hon. Elegbeleye expressed confidence in the state’s readiness and commitment to delivering a festival that will not only celebrate athletic excellence but also spotlight the transformative power of sports in nation-building.
Tagged the “Gateway Games”, the upcoming NSF in Ogun will mark the 22nd edition of the biennial event, and is expected to bring together thousands of athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and spectators from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“This is not just a sports event. Ogun State is setting a new benchmark for how sports can be used to promote unity, youth engagement, and economic stimulation,” Elegbeleye said. “What we have seen here is a clear demonstration of intent. The facilities under construction are world-class, and the vision is bold.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun, under whose leadership the state secured the hosting rights, has continually reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging sports as a development tool. According to him, the festival aligns with Ogun State’s broader agenda to empower the youth, boost tourism, and position the state as a hub for sports infrastructure in Nigeria.
The state’s preparations include the construction and upgrading of several sports complexes across key local governments, expansion of hospitality infrastructure, and the mobilization of volunteers and logistics teams to ensure smooth execution.
“We are not only hosting; we are setting the pace,” the governor noted during a media briefing. “From athletics to aquatics, every sport will have the platform to shine here in Ogun. This is a festival for every Nigerian, and we’re proud to make it historic.”
Beyond competition, the National Sports Festival is widely regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics — a grassroots talent factory that has produced top athletes such as Chioma Ajunwa, Blessing Okagbare, and Tobi Amusan. The Ogun edition is expected to deepen that legacy by offering enhanced scouting opportunities and technological integration for sports analytics.
With the festival slated to take place in the coming months, stakeholders from the Ministry of Sports Development, corporate sponsors, and international observers have praised Ogun’s strategic planning and vision.
The event is also expected to deliver a substantial economic boost, with local businesses in hospitality, transport, fashion, and food services preparing for a surge in activity.
As the countdown begins, the excitement across Ogun State is palpable — and if the signs are anything to go by, the 2025 National Sports Festival might just be the most unforgettable edition yet.
