“We are not just hosting for the fun, we are hosting to create the best impression ever”, Wasiu Isiaka, the Ogun State commissioner for Sports, has remarked as he braces up for the 22nd National Sports Festival.

He said that the state anthem, “Ise Ya”, which translates to “Call to Action”, is a mantra that will be very apparent when the festival begins next week.

He wears double caps. The first is to ensure that the festival runs smoothly. The second is to see that the team that falls squarely under his portfolio performs creditably and finishes at the top.

Towards this, Isiaka said that the Ogun State contingent, is a large one, numbering 742 and drawn across different disciplines.

He expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to compete favourably at the festival. He noted that the athletes are currently in camp, preparing diligently for the games.

“Apart from ensuring that we stage the best National Sports Festival, we are also ready to compete fairly against other teams as the host.

“Over 742 athletes in all sports will represent us at the 22nd edition of Nigeria’s version of the Olympic Games. Our athletes are receiving adequate preparation, and they are all in camp, training earnestly for the games.

“We want to compete very well and ensure our athletes receive the right training ahead of the festival. Some of them are in Lagos, Ilaro, and across the state, working tirelessly for the event.

“We are aware of the pressure on them as host athletes, but we are allowing them to use some of the facilities that will be used for the games, so they can get accustomed to them before the festival,” Isiaka said.

 Beyond the festival, the commissioner emphasised the festival’s role in redirecting the focus of the state’s youth towards sports.

He mentioned that most of the facilities would be made available to the youth after the festival.

“We understand the impact of sports, and we don’t just want to host for hosting’s sake. We aim to galvanise the interest of the youth in sports. Apart from being a lucrative venture, sports teach life lessons like discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

“Our youth are our future, and Ogun State has always been at the forefront of discovering talents for the country.

“We want to continue this even after the festival, ensuring that all our facilities are judiciously used by our youth to empower themselves through sports,” Isiaka enthused.

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Ogun State is set to showcase over 742 athletes across various sports at the 22nd National Sports Festival, scheduled from May 16 to 30.

Speaking recently in Abeokuta, the state capital, Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to compete favourably at the festival. He noted that the athletes are currently in camp, preparing diligently for the games.

“Apart from ensuring that we stage the best National Sports Festival, we are also ready to compete fairly against other teams as the host.

“Over 742 athletes in all sports will represent us at the 22nd edition of Nigeria’s version of the Olympic Games. Our athletes are receiving adequate preparation, and they are all in camp, training earnestly for the games.

“We want to compete very well and ensure our athletes receive the right training ahead of the festival. Some of them are in Lagos, Ilaro, and across the state, working tirelessly for the event.

“We are aware of the pressure on them as host athletes, but we are allowing them to use some of the facilities that will be used for the games, so they can get accustomed to them before the festival,” Isiaka said.

 Beyond the festival, the commissioner emphasised the festival’s role in redirecting the focus of the state’s youth towards sports.

He mentioned that most of the facilities would be made available to the youth after the festival.

“We understand the impact of sports, and we don’t just want to host for hosting’s sake. We aim to galvanise the interest of the youth in sports.

“Apart from being a lucrative venture, sports teach life lessons like discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Our youth are our future, and Ogun State has always been at the forefront of discovering talents for the country.

“We want to continue this even after the festival, ensuring that all our facilities are judiciously used by our youth to empower themselves through sports,” Isiaka enthused.

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As the clock ticks down to the Opening Ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival later this month, host Sports Commissioner, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, has assured that the Games will be declared as “best of the best” at the conclusion.

He made the remarks as he took some media men round the upgraded facilities at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, hub of the upcoming festival and the Alake Sports Centre, where some indoor games as well as handball will be held.

Remarkably, the facilities have undergone a tremendous upgrade as the facade of the stadium wears a new look, while the new athletics tracks have also been laid.

The football pitch is now lush green following the laying of hybrid astroturf.

The sports commissioner, Isiaka, who credits the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the transformation, pointed out that the enclosed VVIP pavilion at the stadium has been expanded to accommodate nearly 150 guests, up from the previous capacity of fewer than 50 guests.

He affirmed that nearly all facilities are completed, with the few remaining undergoing final touches and scheduled to be ready before the festival gets underway.

“We are fully prepared. The facilities speak for themselves,” Hon. Isiaka said during the tour. “We are working around the clock to ensure every necessary structure is in place.

“By the time the games begin, Ogun State will be more than ready.”

More astonishing is the transformation and nearly remodelling of the Alake Sports Centre. A visitor who last got to the centre six months ago will be pleasantly surprised at the new look facility.

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