The 22nd National Sports Festival, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, came to a close with a breathtaking ceremony that raised the bar for future games. The event, which featured inspiring calisthenic displays, musical performances, and speeches from top government dignitaries, showcased Ogun State’s exceptional hosting skills.
Delta State emerged as the overall winner of the festival, successfully defending their title with a total of 337 medals, comprising 126 gold, 100 silver, and 111 bronze medals. Ogun State finished second, while Bayelsa State took third place.
The closing ceremony was marked by notable moments, including the Senate President, Senator Godwill Akpabio, thanking the Ogun State Government for their excellent hosting. The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, promised to sustain the gains of the festival, particularly in maintaining the sporting infrastructure built for the games.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, extended his appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the festival’s success. The NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, charged the next host state, Enugu, to surpass the standards set by Ogun State.
The ceremony also marked the 65th birthday of Governor Dapo Abiodun, with the Senate President leading the cutting of cake and the crowd singing “Happy Birthday” in unison.
The hosting flag was officially passed to Enugu State, which will host the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival in 2026. Olopade expressed confidence that Governor Peter Mbah would deliver another world-class games.
