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ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Sports editors in Nigeria have expressed satisfaction with the state-of-the-art sporting facilities put in place by the Ogun state government ahead of the National Sports Festival.
The sports editors under the aegis of Guild of Sports Editors of Nigeria led by their President, Tony Ubani expressed confidence that the state is ready to host the best ever National Sports Festival come next month.
The editors gave the commendation on Thursday, May 1, 2025, after a spot assessment inspection of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto and Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja in Abeokuta.
Speaking during an interactive session with the Ogun State Sports commissioner, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Duro Ikhazuagbe of ThisDay newspaper noted that the facilities are quite commendable and massive improvement to what was obtainable in 2006.
He particularly singled out the swimming pool for meeting international standard requirements, urging the state government to utilize the facility and facilitate more competitions after the festival.
“The improvements at the Alake Sports Centre are just as impressive. A visitor who last saw the centre six months ago will be surprised to see how much it has changed.”
The Punch Sports Editor, Ebenezer Bajela was impressed with the electronic score board and CCTV at the basketball and handball courts at the Alake Sports Center, Ijeja, Abeokuta.
Ebenezer enjoined the state government to ensure speedy completion of other facilities before the festival commence on May 16, 2025.
In his closing remarks, the President, Guild of Sports Editors, Tony Ubani lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for the huge investment in putting place a topnotch facilities.
Ubani enjoined the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the state government to provide a conducive working environment for journalists covering the national sports festival.
He pointed out that, the provision of media gallery and work station would enhance proactiveness and ease the stress of journalists covering the festival.
Responding, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, the Sports Commissioner assured the festival will be remembered as “the best of the best.”
Isiaka noted that the enclosed VVIP pavilion has been expanded to hold nearly 150 guests. He added that most of the facilities are completed, with only a few finishing touches left.
“The facilities have seen significant improvements. The stadium now has a fresh new look on the outside, and new tracks have been laid down for athletics. The football field has been transformed with a lush green surface, thanks to the installation of hybrid astro turf.
“We are fully prepared. The facilities speak for themselves, and we are working hard to get everything in place. When the games start, Ogun State will be ready.”
