Kwara State has officially declared its intention to host the next edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF), bolstering its bid with significant upgrades to its sports infrastructure today, 28th of March 2025.
The announcement was made by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Mogaji, on Friday during the official presentation of the Torch of Unity ahead of the upcoming NSF in Ogun State.
“We have all the facilities needed to host the tournament, and I can say that Kwara will be bidding to host the next edition of the sports festival,” Mogaji stated confidently.
In recent years, the George Agbazika Innih Stadium in Ilorin has undergone major renovations, positioning it as a top contender for hosting national competitions. Among the latest improvements are a refurbished indoor sports hall, newly constructed squash courts—the first of their kind in Africa—and a world-class table tennis arena.
Highlighting the state’s readiness, Mogaji asserted that Kwara’s sports complex offers a unique advantage over the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja. “I dare say that our facility is better than that of the Moshood Abiola Stadium because it is the only stadium where you can host a major competition without leaving the premises. You can’t do that in Abuja because, at some point, you will have to leave the main stadium for Package B,” he explained.
The Torch of Unity was presented to Kwara State Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, at the Ahmadu Bello House, Government House, Ilorin. Speaking on behalf of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Alabi emphasized the power of sports in fostering national unity.
“Its unifying force is second to none, and as a state government, we are keen on supporting it,” Alabi stated.
The Torch of Unity is a symbolic flame that travels through Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the NSF. It represents peace, unity, and sportsmanship among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural groups. Traditionally, the Nigerian President or Minister of Sports lights the torch before it embarks on its journey, culminating in the host state ahead of the festival’s opening ceremony.
With Kwara State expressing strong interest and showcasing world-class sports facilities, its bid to host the next National Sports Festival is expected to generate nationwide attention.
