Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General of the NSC and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), conveyed his positive assessment during a recent inspection of the facilities earmarked for the Games. He led a joint team comprising members from both the Local and Main Organising Committees on the crucial assessment.
"This inspection is significant not just for aesthetic considerations, but more importantly, to resolve technical aspects, particularly concerning Athletics and the throwing events," Hon. Olopade stated. He elaborated on a key decision reached, saying, "We have now reached an agreement with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) that the throwing events will be hosted at the MKO Abiola Stadium due to the quality of the Astroturf installed there. For me, this is the most gratifying outcome of this inspection."
The Director General lauded the ongoing efforts and commitment of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, in upgrading the facilities. "We sincerely appreciate Governor Dapo Abiodun for the remarkable work being done across all the venues. Consequently, the entire athletics program will now be centralized at the MKO Abiola Stadium."
Hon. Olopade also highlighted a significant enhancement in security measures at the stadium, stating, "Inside the Stadium, the Governor has elevated the issue of security to an unprecedented level. Every Public Address System is equipped with a camera, and the entire 360-degree environment of the stadium is covered by world-class cameras capable of providing real-time surveillance of activities."
The inspection team, led by the DG, also visited other key facilities, including the Abeokuta Golf Course. During the visit, Hon. Olopade assured the commission's commitment to providing necessary equipment for the golf events, emphasizing that these provisions would serve as lasting legacies for the state.
"As we extend our support in these areas, it is our hope that the positive impact of our efforts will also reach the less privileged children residing around this golf course," he added, underscoring the broader social responsibility aspect of hosting the Games.
Across all the venues designated for the National Sports Festival, a significant transformation is evident, with many facilities nearing completion and showcasing a fresh, revitalized look. This progress strongly suggests that the "Gateway Games" are on track to be one of the best-organized editions in the history of the National Sports Festival.
The facility inspections culminated in a joint technical meeting involving Federation Secretaries, State Directors of Sports, and members of both the Local and Main Organising Committees. This collaborative session signifies the final stages of preparation as the National Sports Commission and the Ogun State Government work in unison to deliver a world-class sporting event.