By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye
Facilities to be used for the 2024 National Sports Festival will be ready before the January 15 starting of the sports fiesta tagged the Gateway Games.
Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Isiaka Wasiu said renovation works at the main venue the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Kuto in Abeokuta, the Sports Complex in Ijeja are nearing completion.
Hon. Wasiu explained that the State Government under the dynamic stewardship of governor Dapo Abiodun is committed to deliver a National Sports Festival that will be remembered for a long time to come.
“The renovation works at the Moshood Abiola Stadium have reached advance stages.
“Similarly, the Sports Complex in Ijeja that houses basketball, squash, table tennis and scrabble among other sports is receiving equal attention,” said Hon. Wasiu in an interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olawale Olopade, who until his appointment was the Boss of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), for the Festival paid a visit to the State governor His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta.
During the visit, the Governor said, “As we prepare to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, the “2024 Gateway Games,” in Ogun State this January, we are proud to welcome 12,000 to 15,000 athletes from across the country. This Festival promises to be historic, with a state-of-the-art games village accommodating all athletes—a first in the event’s history.”
He went on to state that, “We have made significant upgrades to key facilities, including the MKO Abiola Stadium, Ijeja Sports Centre, and Remo Stars Stadium, alongside new basketball courts. These legacy projects will serve Ogun State and the nation for decades, fostering talent development at world-class standards.”
“Innovations such as a digitized feeding system, efficient transport clusters, and comprehensive support for journalists will ensure a seamless experience for all participants. With the invaluable support of Premium Trust Bank as lead sponsor, our Local Organizing Committee is working tirelessly to deliver the best Festival ever hosted in Nigeria.” the governor added.
“This event reaffirms Ogun State’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, creating opportunities for the next generation to shine. Together, we are setting a new standard for excellence.” He concluded.
For the first time in the history of the National Sports Festival, Babcock University, a private university will be providing standard accommodation facilities for all the athIetes.