Ogun State is gearing up for the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway 2025, with preparations in full swing for the multi-sport championships scheduled from May 16 to 30. Most of the facilities are in excellent condition, ready to host the grand event.
During a tour of the facilities on Thursday, May 1, sports editors, guided by Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development Waisu Isiaka, inspected the Alake Sports Centre as well as the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, the state capital.
These venues, set to host events such as basketball, volleyball, handball, squash, table tennis, gymnastics, badminton, football, and athletics, are equipped with digital scoring boards and covered seating for spectators.
The Alake Sports Centre boasts two basketball courts, two volleyball courts, and a handball court, all featuring digital scoreboards. The refurbished indoor hall, which will host table tennis and badminton events, is part of the Alake edifice. Additionally, the structure includes two squash courts and a gymnastics hall, with all spectator seats covered.
All venues are adorned with state colours, while the remodeled MKO Abiola International Stadium is nearing completion. The VVIP stand has been expanded from 50 to 150 seats, and work on the new 50-meter Olympic-size swimming pool is being carried out to meet international standards set by the Nigeria Aquatic Federation’s technical crew.
Other venues for the festival include Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Babcock University Indoor Hall for combat sports, and NYSC Camp in Sagamu, among others.