By Tolulope Oguntimehin 

Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State, has announced that the state government will accommodate, feed, and provide for over 200 journalists during the event. The festival, scheduled to take place from January 12th to 25th, 2025, aims to set new standards in media engagement and coverage.

Olopade emphasized the crucial role of the media in the success of the National Sports Festival, stating that it is fundamentally a media event. "For us to have the kind of coverage we want for a competition of this magnitude, the media must be fully involved. That's why we are making special provisions to ensure the comfort and support of the journalists covering the event," he said.

The chairman highlighted the significant impact that thorough media coverage has on the success and visibility of sports events. "Sports is inherently a media event. To achieve the level of exposure and engagement we desire, it's essential that the media is well-facilitated. We are committed to ensuring that journalists have everything they need to effectively cover the festival," Olopade added.

Reflecting on previous events, Olopade noted that the last National Sports Festival hosted by Delta State was widely regarded as the most media-friendly in the history of the competition. "Delta State set a high standard for media friendliness, and we are determined to build on that legacy. By prioritizing the needs of the media, we aim to create an environment where journalists can thrive and provide comprehensive coverage," he remarked.

The decision to provide extensive support for journalists underscores Ogun State's commitment to excellence in hosting the festival. "We understand that the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and engagement with the festival. By providing accommodation, meals, and other necessary facilities, we are ensuring that journalists can focus on delivering quality coverage without any distractions,"Olopade stated.

Olopade expressed his gratitude for the media's role in promoting sports and bringing events to the forefront of public attention. "The media's contribution to sports is invaluable. Their stories, reports, and broadcasts bring the excitement of the festival to people who may not be able to attend in person. It's only right that we support them in every way possible," he said.

Ogun State's initiative to support journalists is part of a broader strategy to enhance the overall experience of the National Sports Festival. "We are not just hosting a sports event; we are creating an experience that resonates with everyone involved, from athletes to spectators to the media. Our goal is to set a new benchmark for how sports festivals are organized and experienced in Nigeria," Olopade explained.

The chairman also mentioned ongoing collaborations with various stakeholders to ensure the smooth execution of these plans. "We are working closely with different agencies and partners to make sure that our logistics, accommodations, and facilities meet the highest standards. The media is a critical part of this planning process, and their input is invaluable," he added.

Olopade concluded by reiterating the LOC's commitment to a successful and well-covered National Sports Festival. "With the right support and infrastructure, we are confident that the 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State will be a memorable event for everyone involved. We are ready to welcome the media and provide them with everything they need to do their job effectively," he said.

The upcoming festival promises to be a landmark event, setting new standards in sports event management and media collaboration. With comprehensive support for over 200 journalists, Ogun State aims to ensure that the festival is not only a sporting success but also a media triumph, capturing the spirit and excitement of the games for a wide audience.