Arrangements have reached fever pitch as government and people of Ogun State prepare to host the 22nd National Sports Festival. Athletes will compete in 33 Sporting Events. I was privileged to be a part of select radio media executives taken on a tour of the rejuvenated MKO Abiola International Sports Arena, Abeokuta by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka. I was wowed by the brand new lush green turf, tartan track, expanded VIP Box, covered terraces, flood lights and multi media stage. We saw some Commissioners supervising preparations for the Games.
The new Olympic sized swimming pool and adjoining warm-up pool with spanking new courts for lawn tennis, hand ball and volleyball complementing the ambience heighten excitement for the Games. The colourful exteriors of the main bowl, walls with state names and appellations as murals and iconic gate combine to holler "bien venue" as everything including intra stadium roads is receiving close attention. Fielding questions, State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Wasiu Adeniran Isiaka announced that the Festival Torch of Unity will be received at the Sagamu Interchange on Thursday.
He thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun for his staunch commitment to the Games adding that all is set to make the Festival memorable and historic.
Hon. Isiaka charged media executives to help popularise the Festival in multi dimensional ways.
Meanwhile, members of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Ogun State Chapter, have welcomed athletes and officials to the State and urged them to savour the legendary hospitality, cuisines, culture and tourism sites to deepen unity in the country.
In a release signed by the State Chairman, Dr. Chris Omotosho, athletes were enjoined to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship whilst citizens were urged to be good hosts.
I am super excited about the forthcoming Games and eager to witness the competitive actions!
Let the Games begin!
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