As the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival approaches later this month, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, the Sports Commissioner, has assured the event will be remembered as “the best of the best.” He made this claim after giving media personnel a tour of the upgraded facilities at the MKO Abiola International Stadium and the Alake Sports Centre. These sites will host many of the events, including indoor games and handball.

The facilities have seen significant improvements. The stadium now has a fresh new look on the outside, and new tracks have been laid down for athletics. The football field has been transformed with a lush green surface, thanks to the installation of hybrid astroturf.

Isiaka credits the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for this transformation. He also noted that the enclosed VVIP pavilion has been expanded to hold nearly 150 guests, up from fewer than 50 before. He added that most of the facilities are complete, with only a few finishing touches left. These will be ready before the festival begins.

Hon. Isiaka said, “We are fully prepared. The facilities speak for themselves.” He added they are working hard to get everything in place. “When the games start, Ogun State will be ready.”

The improvements at the Alake Sports Centre are just as impressive. A visitor who last saw the centre six months ago will be surprised to see how much it has changed.