Dapo Abiodun lists gains of National Sports Festival, says games draw 12,000 participants

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has highlighted the economic and social benefits of hosting the ongoing National Sports Festival, stating that the event has attracted over 12,000 participants and significantly boosted the state’s economy.

Speaking on the sidelines of the festival, Governor Abiodun said the surge in commercial activities—especially in tourism, hospitality, and local industries such as Adire fabric—underscores the impact of the games on the state’s development.

“We are proud of the significant economic boost the ongoing National Sports Festival has brought to Ogun State. With over 12,000 participants, the surge in commercial activity, especially in tourism, hospitality, and local markets like Adire, has been remarkable,” he said.

Abiodun described the decision to host the festival as a strategic move to position Ogun as more than just an industrial hub. “We aimed to showcase Ogun not just as an industrial hub, but also as Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality capital. We’re thrilled that the event has been widely praised for its world-class organization and execution.”

The governor also used the opportunity to call for increased collaboration with financial institutions to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially those in the Adire and textile value chain.

“We now seek greater collaboration with financial institutions to support our SMEs, particularly in sectors like Adire, which are vital to job creation and economic growth. Together, we can unlock even more opportunities for our people,” he added.

The National Sports Festival, often described as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, brings together athletes from across the country and has long served as a platform for talent discovery and youth engagement.