The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has declared that the economic impact of the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State cannot be measured solely in naira and kobo, describing the gains as immense and far-reaching.

Speaking during his first official press conference at the Media Centre of the Games in Abeokuta, Olopade praised the sporting press for their commendable coverage and urged more states to consider hosting future editions of the NSF, citing its broad benefits to both state and national development.

“You cannot underestimate the power of sports,” he said. “Sports deals with everything that has to do with development — from infrastructural development to capacity building, entertainment, and hospitality.”

Olopade explained that the economic and social impact of hosting an event of this scale goes beyond immediate financial returns. “This is why you can’t put in naira and kobo what the revenue value of this sort of event is,” he noted. “How do I aggregate in dollars the value of that opening ceremony that was broadcast in more than fifty countries? Does that not announce Ogun State to the world? It’s not money you can recoup immediately.”

The DG highlighted several tangible benefits already being witnessed across the state, particularly in small and medium-scale enterprises. “Over 300 small businesses are operating inside the stadium alone because of the Games,” he revealed. “Around Babcock University and its environs, over 100 small businesses are thriving as well.”

He also pointed to the surge in local trade, saying, “In the last ten days, over a million Adire fabrics have been sold, and sellers are already complaining that they have run out of stock.”

Olopade further emphasized the hospitality sector’s boom due to the influx of athletes, officials, and spectators. “Look at the hotels — we can’t even quantify the profits they’ve made. This is why we continue to urge more states to host the Sports Festival. It opens doors for thousands of indigent people.”

Concluding, the NSC DG appealed to the media to continue their partnership with the Commission and lend their support to the host state through positive and constructive reportage aimed at delivering a world-class Games.

The 22nd National Sports Festival continues across several venues in Ogun State, drawing athletes and visitors from across Nigeria and providing a significant boost to the local economy.