By Omobolaji Adekunle
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has stated that preparations for the successful hosting of the National Sports Festival are progressing rapidly, with final touches being added to the facilities at the designated venues.
Governor Abiodun shared this update during a tour of the M.K.O Abiola Stadium and the Alake Sports Centre in Abeokuta, the state capital.
He revealed that the construction of key facilities at the MKO Abiola Stadium, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and a handball court behind the main bowl, is nearing completion. Additionally, work at the Alake Sports Centre is at various stages, with significant progress made.
“The last time we visited the swimming pool site, it was still at the foundation level, but there has been considerable development since then. The ongoing construction allows us to make necessary adjustments and incorporate suggestions,” the Governor said.
He continued, “I’m pleased to report that the track at the MKO Abiola Stadium is already in place, and the field is about 80 percent finished. The warm-up area, the main bowl, the handball courts, and the tennis courts are all at advanced stages of completion.”
Governor Abiodun further noted the remarkable transformation at the Alake Sports Centre, stating, “It’s a completely different scene compared to the last time we visited. I would estimate that the facility is about 95 percent completed, and I am confident that we are well-prepared to host the National Sports Festival. Ogun State is positioned to host the best festival in the history of the games.
Although some work remains, he reassured the public that no effort would be spared in ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place before the festival begins.
The Governor also mentioned that the renovation of sports facilities in Ogun State has already begun to yield positive outcomes. Notably, the African Athletics Federation has selected Ogun State to host the Under-20 Athletics Competition in 2026.
“Thanks to the improvements we’ve made, Ogun State is now becoming the home of world-class competitions—not only across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa but also internationally,” Abiodun remarked. “We are proud that this investment is already delivering dividends, and it will stand as one of the lasting legacies of our administration.”
Governor Abiodun also announced plans to build a pavilion behind the MKO Abiola Stadium to host non-sporting events, ensuring the main stadium is reserved exclusively for sports activities. “Let me reassure you that the stadium will only be used for sporting events. To this end, we’ve decided to build a pavilion behind the stadium, which will host rallies, parties, march-pasts, and other civic celebrations like Independence Day and Labour Day,” he said. “All non-sporting events will no longer take place in the stadium.”
Additionally, he revealed that the MKO Abiola Stadium would be renamed the MKO Abiola Sporting Complex. “Our MKO Abiola International Stadium has now evolved into the MKO Abiola Sporting Complex, and we will soon hold a ceremony to officially rename it,” he confirmed.
The Governor further shared that an estimated 15,000 people are expected to attend the National Sports Festival. To accommodate this influx of visitors, he stated that his administration is preparing popular tourist destinations, such as the Olumo Rock Tourist Centre, along with nearby attractions, to cater to the needs of both athletes and spectators.
“The festival will bring about 15,000 people to Abeokuta, and you can imagine the economic boost it will provide—visitors will be eating, drinking, travelling around, and buying recharge cards, water, and other necessities,” the Governor explained. “They will also be visiting our tourist sites. We are preparing Olumo Rock and surrounding tourist centres for the games, and there will be a significant number of visitors staying in local hotels.”
He emphasised the positive economic impact the festival will have on the state, adding that its long-term benefits would be felt long after the event has ended.
Governor Abiodun concluded by noting that the National Sports Festival presents a vital opportunity to discover new athletic talents who may go on to represent the nation in international sporting competitions. He proudly declared that the investments his administration has made in the state’s sports infrastructure are among the best in the country.
