The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has called on more states across Nigeria to embrace the opportunity to host the National Sports Festival (NSF), citing its immense economic and developmental value.

Speaking at his first official press conference at the ongoing 22nd NSF in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olopade painted a compelling picture of how sports can be a major driver of both commerce and community growth.

According to the DG, the benefits of hosting a festival of this scale go far beyond medals and records. “You cannot underestimate the power of sports,” Olopade stated. “From infrastructural development to capacity building, entertainment, and hospitality—sports touches everything.”

Highlighting the soft and hard gains from the event, Olopade pointed out that NSF 2025 has catalyzed massive economic activity across the host state. Over 300 small businesses are currently operating within stadium premises, and another 100 around key venues like Babcock University, he noted.

The festival has also triggered a surge in cultural commerce, with local fabric makers reporting a boom in Adire sales. “In the last ten days alone, over a million Adire fabrics have been sold. Some sellers are even out of stock,” Olopade revealed, underlining the symbiotic relationship between sports and indigenous enterprise.

He also stressed the promotional power of global visibility. “The opening ceremony was broadcast in over 50 countries. How do you put a price on that kind of exposure for Ogun State? That’s international branding on a silver platter.”

Hotels across the state are running at near-full capacity, and hospitality providers are reporting unprecedented footfall. “The revenues being generated by these sectors are enormous and transformative,” Olopade added.

Beyond commerce, the DG emphasized the long-term infrastructural gains—new roads, renovated facilities, and a skilled workforce—all of which will outlast the duration of the Games.

In wrapping up, he urged the media to continue their partnership with the NSC to help position sports not only as entertainment but as a cornerstone of national development and economic opportunity.

“We want the media to help us tell this story—not just of sports—but of opportunity, growth, and unity. Every host state becomes a beneficiary of this national movement,” Olopade concluded.

With the National Sports Festival proving to be both a sporting spectacle and a business bonanza, the message is clear: the real winners may be found not only on the podium, but in the communities that host the Games.

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Nigeria’s world record holder in the 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, has candidly shared her journey of overcoming the disappointment of the Paris 2024 Olympics and her transition to a new training environment in Jamaica.

Amusan, who failed to qualify for the women’s 100m hurdles final in Paris, described the period following the Olympics as a challenging time. She credited her recovery to the unwavering support of her family, mentors, and faith.

“After Paris, it was a bit of a rollercoaster for me, and with the help of my family, God, and my mentors, I was able to get through that dark place and get back into training.

I did start a whole training group, gradually building into being Tobi again and I think everything has been going well.”

In September 2024, Amusan made a significant coaching change, leaving her long-time coach, Lacena Golding-Clarke, to train under the legendary Glen Mills at Racers Track Club in Kingston, Jamaica. The move, initially met with mixed reactions, has proven transformative for Amusan.

Under Mills’ guidance, Amusan has been focusing on refining her speed and execution. She has also been exploring sprint events as part of her training regimen.

Amusan ‘s recent performances include a wind-assisted 12.53s finish at the Adidas Atlanta City Games, where she placed second in her heat. Earlier in the season, she recorded times of 12.74s and 12.66s in Xiamen and Kepaio, respectively, during the Diamond League meetings.

As she continues her journey, Amusan remains focused on her goals and is optimistic about the future. Her resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity.

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Invited Junior Athletes, IJA, have set an early marker at their first ever National Sports Festival in Ogun state after denying the Elite Athletes four medals already, by winning two Gold, one silver and one bronze medal within the first three days of the Games.

Amarachi Chijioke and Scholastical Tekumbur made history winning the two gold, one silver and one bronze in the 45kg women category.

Chijioke claimed two gold medals in clean and jerk with the best lift of 82kg while Tekumbur, also claimed the bronze in clean and jerk.

The National Sports Commission, NSC, has continued to receive plenty of accolades for the IJA initiative introduced to the Festival as the 38th State and the early performance of the junior athletes within the first two days of the Games is already justifying the essence of the concept.

The NSC introduced the Invited junior Athletes concept so that Nigeria can start having a unique and scientific transition system between the upcoming junior athletes and the elite athletes.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, maintained that the IJA concept was designed to tie grassroots to elite Sports by bridging the transition gap that has existed in the past.

“ Ninety percent of the kids representing IJA are champions from the youth games and the ones that have upset the staquo by winning these medals have automatically been elevated to elite status and qualify for elite grants that will prepare them for the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Championships next year”.

” Being the first time we are having this concept we never expected them to win medals but just to get exposure by competing with the elite athletes but we can see with the four medals already won that the junior athletes we brought for this Games are really fancying their chances with the big boys”.

Thirty eight junior athletes across different sports are representing the Invited junior Athletes , IJA, at the Gateway Games.