Ogun State is gearing up to host the 22nd National Sports Festival with an unprecedented show of strength, announcing its largest-ever delegation of 742 athletes set to compete across various disciplines from May 16 to 30, 2025.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, made the announcement in Abeokuta, expressing the state’s determination to both host a successful tournament and perform strongly on home soil.
“This is a historic moment for Ogun State,” Isiaka said. “We are not only prepared to host a memorable festival, but we are also sending our biggest and most competitive team ever.
These athletes are training with focus and determination in camps across Abeokuta, Ilaro, Lagos, and other locations.”
He emphasized that the athletes have been given access to key venues that will be used during the games, allowing them to train under competition conditions and adapt to their environment well in advance.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“We understand the pressure of being the host state, which is why we’ve prioritized early and thorough preparation. Giving our athletes access to official facilities is part of our strategy to help them feel at home and perform at their best,” he added.
Beyond the immediate goals of competition, Isiaka highlighted the long-term vision behind Ogun’s investment in the festival.
According to him, the event is not just about medals, but also about harnessing the power of sport to inspire and empower young people.
READ MORE:Christian Chukwu: NFF pays condolence visit to family amid alleged $128,000 unpaid wages
“We want this festival to be a turning point for youth engagement in sports,” he said. “Sport teaches valuable life skills—discipline, teamwork, resilience—and it can offer career opportunities. After the festival, these facilities will remain accessible to the public, especially young people, to help them pursue their potential.”
Ogun State, known for its history of producing elite athletes, is using the 2025 festival as a platform to reaffirm its leadership in sports development while creating lasting benefits for its youth.
