Kwara State has officially expressed its intention to host the next edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF), according to Coach Bola Mogaji, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission (KSC).
Mogaji made this announcement on Friday during the presentation of the Torch of Unity ahead of the upcoming NSF in Ogun State.
READ ALSO: Rangers’ Home Struggles Continue After Plateau United Defeat
“We have all the necessary facilities to host the tournament, and I can confirm that Kwara will be bidding for the next edition of the sports festival,” he stated.
In recent years, the George Agbazika Innih Stadium in Ilorin has undergone extensive renovations, featuring a refurbished indoor sports hall, newly constructed squash courts—the first of their kind in Africa—and a state-of-the-art table tennis arena, among other upgrades.
“I confidently say that our facility surpasses that of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja because we are the only stadium in Nigeria where a major competition can be held entirely within the premises,” Mogaji added. “In Abuja, at some point, events must move from the main stadium to Package B.”
During the presentation of the Torch of Unity at the Ahmadu Bello House, Government House, Ilorin, Kwara State Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, received it on behalf of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Alabi highlighted the significant role of sports in fostering national unity.
“The unifying power of sports is unmatched, and as a state government, we are committed to supporting it,” he said.
The Torch of Unity, a symbolic flame carried through all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before the NSF, represents peace, unity, and sportsmanship across Nigeria’s diverse cultural groups. It also serves to create awareness about the festival while inspiring athletes and citizens alike.
Traditionally, the Torch of Unity is lit by the Nigerian President or the Minister of Sports at a ceremonial event before beginning its nationwide journey. It arrives at the host state just before the opening ceremony, signifying the official start of the festival.
With its enhanced sports infrastructure and strong commitment, Kwara State’s bid to host the next National Sports Festival is expected to gain significant national attention
, according){kind=link}