Ogun Unveils Olympic-Standard Sports Facilities Ahead of National Festival, Confirms Foreign Athlete Participation

Ogun State has completed its long-awaited Olympic-standard swimming complex and additional key sports infrastructure in preparation for the 22nd National Sports Festival, set to take place from May 16 to 30 in Abeokuta and other locations across the state.

Speaking to journalists at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex on Sunday, Commissioner for Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, confirmed that the main competition and practice swimming pools have been fully completed and are equipped to meet international standards.

“Both pools are ready,” he stated.

“They meet Olympic specifications, with everything from swimming pads to the latest global-standard installations now in place.”

The aquatic centre’s completion addresses previous concerns over construction delays and represents a major step forward in Ogun’s preparations. Additionally, four new tennis and handball courts adjacent to the swimming complex have been completed, forming part of a broader upgrade to the state’s sports facilities.

The commissioner also highlighted a significant change to the football pitch, where the natural grass has been replaced with artificial turf. When asked about the rationale behind the decision, Isiaka cited long-term sustainability and global trends.

“You don’t just build for the moment. You consider maintenance and what’s in vogue globally,” he explained.

“Artificial turf makes more sense for the usage we anticipate.”

On the matter of Ogun’s lack of a conventional shooting range, Isiaka addressed public concerns by noting that the state has adopted a modern, laser-based system, aligning with international standards in the sport.

“People keep asking about a traditional shooting range,” he said.

“But the world has moved on. Today, you don’t need live ammunition. Everything is now computerised and done in halls using laser-target technology. Even places like Asaba have switched to this model.”

He further revealed that the same expert who installed Asaba’s laser system was responsible for Ogun’s new setup, ensuring athletes will have access to high-quality equipment for training and competition.

Looking ahead to the festival, Isiaka declared that Ogun State is fully prepared not just in terms of infrastructure but also in its competitive ambitions. The state plans to include foreign-based athletes in its contingent, a move expected from other top-performing states as well.

“I doubt if any of the top five or six states will arrive without foreign athletes,” he said.

“We are not only ready for them, we’re bringing our own too.”

He cited global track star Tobi Amusan, who hails from Ogun, as a symbol of the high-level talent the state hopes to attract and showcase during the event.