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…Says Free Hand, Non-Interference Key to Successful Festival
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 8th Kwara State Sports Festival, KWAFEST 2026, has submitted its comprehensive report to the Kwara State Sports Commission, commending the Executive Chairman, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, for providing the committee with the freedom and confidence needed to deliver a successful festival.
The report was submitted on Friday, September 11, 2026, by the LOC Chairman, Mr. Steven Olarinoye, following the successful conclusion of the nine-day sporting fiesta that brought together athletes and officials from the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State.
Olarinoye, while presenting the report, expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for sponsoring the 8th edition of KWAFEST.
He noted that the 2026 edition was the second state sports festival organised under the present administration, describing the achievement as a clear demonstration of the government’s sustained commitment to sports development.
According to him, Governor AbdulRazaq has distinguished himself through significant investment in the sports sector, with the impact visible in the growing opportunities available to athletes and other stakeholders across the state.
He said the successful hosting of KWAFEST 2026 was another evidence of the administration’s commitment to using sports as a vehicle for youth development, unity and talent discovery.
Olarinoye, however, reserved special commendation for the leadership of the Kwara State Sports Commission, particularly Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, for entrusting the LOC with the responsibility of organising the festival and allowing members to operate independently.
He described the freedom granted to the committee as one of the major factors responsible for the success of the festival.
“The secret behind the success of the festival was the free hand given to us by the Executive Chairman. We operated without interference, and this gave us the opportunity to effectively discharge our responsibilities.”
He added that the confidence reposed in the committee encouraged members to work collectively and remain focused on achieving the objectives of the festival.
Also speaking, a member of the LOC, Mr. Hammed Adio, commended Governor AbdulRazaq and Coach Mogaji for what he described as progressive leadership and sustained investment in the development of sports in Kwara State.
Adio noted that the successful organisation of two state sports festivals under the current administration was a significant achievement that deserved to be properly recognised and documented.
He particularly praised the peaceful conduct of KWAFEST 2026, stressing that the festival was concluded without any reported security incident.
Beyond the medals and sporting competitions, Adio said the festival created an avenue for young athletes to gain valuable experience, interact with fellow athletes and build relationships that could remain useful long after the competition.
“Some athletes returned home with medals, while those who did not make the podium also returned with something valuable—the friendships, relationships and experiences they gained during the competition,” he said.
He stressed that such experiences could become an important part of the athletes’ development and memories as they progress in their sporting careers.
Mogaji Commends LOC
Responding, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, expressed appreciation to members of the LOC for their dedication, commitment and sacrifices towards the successful hosting of KWAFEST 2026.
Mogaji commended the committee for the work put into the planning, coordination and execution of the festival, noting that their collective contributions were instrumental to its success.
He also appreciated the LOC for presenting its comprehensive report, describing the submission as an important part of documenting the successes, experiences and lessons from the festival.
The 8th Kwara State Sports Festival, KWAFEST 2026, brought together athletes and officials from across the 16 LGAs in a celebration of sporting talent, competition, unity and youth development.
The successful conclusion of the festival and submission of the LOC report further underscore the Kwara State Government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots sports and creating sustainable opportunities for young talents across the State of Harmony.
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