National Sports Festival Kicks Off in Grand Style in Ogun State

• The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival officially commenced on Sunday with a vibrant and spectacular opening ceremony at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The event, which was attended by an estimated 10,000 spectators, showcased the best of Ogun State and Nigeria, highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage and athletic prowess.

The opening ceremony began with a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem and Ogun State anthem by renowned singer and songwriter, Bukola Elemide, popularly known as Asa.

Her soulful performance set the tone for the evening, which was followed by other captivating performances that lit up the arena.

The highlight of the ceremony was the colourful march past of the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the invited junior athletes, who were dubbed as the 38th state at the National Sports Festival.

The march past was a spectacle to behold, with each state and territory showcasing their unique cultural heritage and athletic spirit.

The evening was capped off by an electrifying performance by Afrobeats superstar, Davido, who thrilled the spectators with his energetic hits from his newly-released 5ive album, as well as his old hit songs.

The crowd was wowed by his performance, which was a perfect blend of music, dance, and entertainment.

The National Sports Festival, regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, is set to be one of the most expansive in the festival’s history, with a total of 626 gold, 626 silver, and 898 bronze medals up for grabs. The events will be held across different venues in Ogun State, including Abeokuta, Ikenne, Sagamu, and Ijebu-Ode.