The much-advertised 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival officially began on Sunday with a colourful opening ceremony at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, amid fanfare in front of an estimated 10,000 spectators, showcasing the very best of Ogun State and Nigeria culture as a whole
The opening ceremony, which lasted more than four hours, began with a soulful rendition of the national anthem and Ogun State anthem by popular singer and songwriter, Bukola Elemide, also known as Asa.
Asa’s rendition was followed by other performances which lit up the arena as well as the colourful march past of the 36 states, the FCT and the Invited Junior Athletes, who are dubbed as the 38th state at the National Sports Festival.
The event was capped by Afrobeats star, Davido, who thrilled the spectators by dropping energetic hits off his newly-released 5ive album, among other old hit songs from his discography.
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Over 15,000 athletes are competing in both individual and team sports, which will offer a total of 2,150 medals in 549 events.
The multi-sport event, regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, is set to be one of the most expansive in the festival’s history, with 626 gold, 626 silver, and 898 bronze medals up for grabs.
The events will be held across different venues, including the state capital, Abeokuta, Ikenne, Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
