Ogun State Ready to Host 22nd National Sports Festival, Says Governor Abiodun

Governor Dapo Abiodun has declared Ogun State “game-ready” for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, set to welcome 15,000 athletes, officials, and spectators from across Nigeria. During a recent inspection tour, Abiodun reaffirmed the state’s readiness, highlighting completed renovations at key venues, including the MKO Abiola International Stadium and the Alake Sports Centre.

The governor emphasized the quality of the state’s sports facilities, citing the African Athletics Federation’s decision to host the 2026 Under-20 athletics competition in Ogun State. “The track that we installed here has already begun to reap benefits,” Abiodun stated.

As part of the state’s sports infrastructure overhaul, the MKO Abiola International Stadium will be renamed the MKO Abiola Sporting Complex, reflecting its evolution into a world-class multi-sport hub. The stadium will be exclusively reserved for sporting events, with a new pavilion being constructed to host non-sporting events.

Ogun State is fully prepared to host the best National Sports Festival, with major facilities at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium and Alake Sports Centre nearing completion. Our investment in sports is already paying off, as we have been selected to host the 2026 Africa Under-20… pic.twitter.com/G2PcEn5itu

— Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON (@DapoAbiodunCON) April 3, 2025

The 2024 National Sports Festival is expected to deliver a significant economic and cultural boost to Abeokuta, with local businesses preparing for a windfall and tourism initiatives underway to upgrade Olumo Rock and other attractions. Governor Abiodun highlighted the festival’s strategic importance for talent discovery and the future of Nigerian sports, noting that Ogun State’s investments in sports infrastructure are among the best in the country.