President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Ogun State Government for successfully hosting the 22nd National Sports Festival, a prestigious multi-sport event that concluded in Abeokuta on Thursday.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President joined Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, and other dignitaries at the closing ceremony held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
The festival spanned 12 days of intense competition across Abeokuta and other venues, showcasing the talents of about 10,000 athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and invited junior athletes. President Tinubu praised the athletes’ spirit, stating, “As an athlete, if you have competed at this event, know that you have been discovered. Your presence reaffirms the unity and collaborative federalism that underpins our national strength.”
Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for entrusting Ogun with the hosting duties, emphasizing the collective effort behind the successful event. “To our athletes, you are all champions, you have not only completed, you have inspired and embodied the true essence of sports where excellence meets honour and discipline meets grace,” he said.
Delta State emerged as the overall winner for the fifth consecutive time and ninth time in total. Enugu State has been announced as the host for the next festival in 2026.
