“THE construction firms handling renovation works at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Kuto in Abeokuta, the Sports Complex in Ijeja, and other venues slated for the 2024 National Sports Festival will complete their projects before the event begins,” Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Isiaka Wasiu, assured in a recent interview.
Wasiu emphasized that under the dynamic leadership of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State Government is committed to hosting a National Sports Festival that will leave a lasting legacy.
The Moshood Abiola Stadium, built over three decades ago, is undergoing significant upgrades to prepare it for the festival.
Highlights of the Facility Upgrade:
Re-grassing the pitch
Re-laying the tartan track
Construction of tennis courts
Expansion of the media gallery
Construction of handball courts
Installation of an ultra-modern digital scoreboard
Upgrading the VIP section
“The Sports Complex in Ijeja, which accommodates basketball, squash, table tennis, and scrabble facilities, among others, is also receiving significant attention, with renovations at an advanced stage,” the Commissioner added.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olawale Olopade, formerly the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the festival, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta.
During the visit, Governor Abiodun stated, “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 will be historic, featuring a state-of-the-art games village to accommodate all athletes—a first in the event’s history.”
He further elaborated, “Significant upgrades have been made to key facilities, including the MKO Abiola Stadium, the Ijeja Sports Centre, and the Remo Stars Stadium, alongside new basketball courts. These legacy projects will serve Ogun State and Nigeria for decades, fostering talent development at world-class standards.”
Governor Abiodun also highlighted innovations designed to enhance the festival experience. “We are introducing a digitized feeding system, efficient transport clusters, and comprehensive support for journalists. With the invaluable support of Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor, our Local Organizing Committee is working tirelessly to deliver the best festival ever hosted in Nigeria,” he said.
“This event reaffirms Ogun State’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, creating opportunities for the next generation to excel. 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 institution, will provide standard accommodation facilities for all athletes, setting a new benchmark for the event.
