Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Commissioner for Sports Development has assured sports enthusiasts of the Ogun State government’s preparedness to host an exciting and hitch-free National Sports Festival in 2025.
The commissioner gave this assurance while addressing sports journalists at the press centre of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, during the ongoing National Youth Games.
He emphasized the state’s commitment to providing better sporting facilities and ensuring that the festival will be one of the best in the history of the country.
Isiaka pointed out the festival’s vision to forge unity in Nigeria by housing all athletes and officials in one centre.
He mentioned that an adequate transportation system between the three centres in Iperu, Ikenne, and Abeokuta would be in place to facilitate easy movement for all participants.
The Commissioner assured that the opening ceremony of the 2024 edition and all events of the Games would be glamorous, aiming to match and even surpass the 2006 edition.
He also pledged a successful partnership with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to ensure wide coverage and smooth operations for journalists covering the event.
“We’ve discussed about it. The SWAN Chairman in Ogun and I have agreed that they will be in the next LOC meeting,” Isiaka stated.
“I’ve even hinted to the LOC chairman, Chief Olopade, about it. We are working on it, and I will try and make sure that at least one or two of them will be accommodated.”
Isiaka confirmed that arrangements for the media centre were already in progress, with active involvement from the SWAN Chairman of Ogun. He said that necessary steps were being taken to ensure smooth media operations during the festival.
“Yes, we have a media centre,” Isiaka affirmed. “The SWAN Chairman Ogun is here, and we are working together on that.
Olapade addressed the press on media coverage and how we are working to ensure proper arrangements for the media. There’s no problem as far as media is concerned.”
The competition period for the festival will be from January 15th to 24th, with the closing ceremony scheduled for January 25th, 2025.
