Sports Festival Archives

60th Founders’ Day Anniversary: Ogun Commissioner harps on Youths Devt ahead of Sports Festival

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

As Ogun State prepares to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, the State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, has reiterated the importance of sports in youth development and nation-building. The National Sports Festival, which is expected to bring together athletes from across the country, will be a showcase of Nigeria’s sporting talents and a celebration of unity, friendship, and healthy competition. The festival will feature various sports, including track and field, swimming, and basketball. Speaking at the 60th Founders’ Day Anniversary celebration of Remo Divisional School Sagamu, Commissioner Isiaka emphasised the significance of hosting the festival, stating, “This festival represents much more than just track and field competitions: it signifies our determination to create a robust sports ecosystem throughout Ogun State.” He noted that the state government’s commitment to youth and sports development is evident in various initiatives aimed at engaging young people. “We recognise that sports play a critical role in building character, fostering teamwork, and nurturing future leaders,” he explained. Commissioner Isiaka also commended the alumni of Remo Divisional School for their contributions to the institution and the community, saying, “Your commitment to giving back to your roots not only enriches our community but also positively impacts society and our government. Your contributions are invaluable and serve as a testament to the strong foundation that this institution has established over the years.” The commissioner urged the current students of Remo Divisional School to take advantage of the resources available to them, including sports, to become well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens. He advised, “Learn not just from your textbooks, but from your involvement in activities like sports, the arts, and community service. These experiences will help shape you into well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens.”

Rivers, University of Port Harcourt partner as Team Rivers gear up for 2025 NSF

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

The Rivers State Ministry of Sports and University of Port Harcourt have reached a partnership which will see Athletes of the State camp and train at the facilities of the Institution ahead of the participation of Team Rivers at the upcoming 2025 National Sports Festival. Speaking at a brief ceremony to seal the partnership at the University of Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green described facilities at the Institution as some of the best, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent. He added that he was confident that the benefits of the alliance will be latent and positively affect the chances of Team Rivers emerging as Nulli Secundus amongst the committee of States at the upcoming NSF. “We have the rare privilege of having the University of Port Harcourt here in Rivers State and what you have been doing in this school is such that other Universities (in the country) should emulate,” Barr. Green, a three time Sports Commissioner in Rivers State, said. “The facilities and equipment you have here and the manner in which you have maintained them (to consistently remain in optimum conditions) has made us come here. “And in line with our policy to develop Sports at grassroots level, most of the athletes with us at Team Rivers are products of the University of Port Harcourt,” he added. On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill expressed excitement at the pardtnership, noting that the Institution will always welcome Athletes of Team Rivers with open arms. “This University will always partner with the Rivers State Government and we are pleased and honoured that the Sports Ministry has chosen us, yet again to camp their athletes for the NSF,” Professor Georgewill stated. Afterwards, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner and his team also paid a courtesy call to the management of the Sports Institute of the University of Port Harcourt with a member of the contingent, foremost Sports administrator, Professor Ken Anugwege acknowledging the importance of the interaction. “This visit is important as this (Uniport Sports Institute) is the facility and it is our earnest hope and desire that this partnership ends in positivity for Rivers State,” he said.

Enugu to host 23rd National Sports Festival

Our Reporters4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

The National Sports Commission (NSC), after its top management meeting, has announced Enugu State as the host of the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival. The Coal City State emerged top from a competitive bidding process and the state is set to deliver a world-class event. The National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sports event, brings together thousands of athletes from Nigeria’s 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to celebrate sportsmanship, national unity and sporting excellence. Before Enugu State takes center stage, the 22nd edition of the festival is set to hold in January 2025 in Ogun State, with the Gateway State buzzing with pomp and pageantry, as the Games draw closer. Honourable Bukola Olopade, the former chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and current NSC Director General, revealed that the Gateway Games will host over 15,000 athletes. He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to supporting Ogun State in delivering a premium tournament. With Enugu’s selection for the 23rd edition, the festival promises to uphold its legacy of excellence, inclusivity, and showcasing the best of Nigerian sports talent, while unearthing talents good enough to fly the flag of the nation internationally. This marks the first time the South-Eastern State will be staging the event since its inception in 1973. The 21st edition of the Games was hosted by Asaba, Delta State, with over 11,000 athletes participating in the grand tournament. With Ogun State billed to host the next edition of the games in January next year, it also marks the first time the host of the subsequent Games is known before the end of the current Festival. This development will give Enugu State enough time to prepare adequately for the games and will also enhances the Corporate image of the Festival.