ABEOKUTA – The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival opened in grand fashion at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, and it has drawn widespread praise from dignitaries and sports enthusiasts alike. Among the most notable commendations came from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Sunday Dare, who hailed the event as a “sparkling splendor” that celebrated Nigeria’s diversity and unity through sports.
Dare, a former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, was in attendance at the ceremony and expressed his admiration for the well-orchestrated spectacle. Speaking to the National Sports Commission (NSC) Media Team, he praised the leadership of the NSC under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade for their exceptional planning and delivery.
“The opening ceremony was a sparkling splendor,” Dare said. “A combustion of excitement as the stadium was filled up and the beautiful scenes unfolded. It was not just a sports event—it was a national celebration.”
The high-profile event attracted top dignitaries, including Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, and several state governors. Their presence further underlined the national significance of the festival.
Dare went on to attribute the success of the opening ceremony to both the effective coordination by the NSC and the unwavering commitment of the host state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
“Many kudos must go to the duo of Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade for holding the sports line firmly and putting on a solid preparation for the athletes and national delivery. But the Boss of them all is the host Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for pulling all stops to ensure this became a reality,” Dare said.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to sports as a tool for national unity and development.
“The final kudos goes to the President, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, who sent quality representation and who is building a united Nigeria through investing in sports development.”
With over 12,000 athletes from across Nigeria participating, the 22nd National Sports Festival not only showcases the country’s vast sporting talent but also acts as a unifying platform for Nigerians of all backgrounds.
Looking ahead, Dare emphasized that Ogun State has now set a new benchmark for the next hosts.
“Ogun State has set a very high standard for Enugu State, the host of the 23rd edition of the Festival,” he added. “This is the kind of energy and excellence we need to continue promoting unity and sporting greatness across our nation.”
The National Sports Festival remains Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event, often referred to as the country’s version of the Olympics. Its successful organization is seen as a critical element in fostering peace, inclusiveness, and sporting development.
Signed:
Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, FCAI, ANIPR
Director of Press
National Sports Commission (NSC)
May 19, 2025
