By Tolulope Oguntimehin 

Hon. Bukola Olopade, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the forthcoming National Sports Festival, Ogun 2025, has clarified the confusion surrounding the festival's schedule. In an exclusive interview with www.exclusivenews.com.ng at the venue of the recently concluded National Council of Sports conference in Enugu, Olopade addressed the reports of a postponement to January 2025.

Olopade emphasized, "No date was ever fixed for the National Sports Festival. People just assumed that since the last festival was held in December, the next one would also be in December. This assumption led to misunderstandings about the festival's schedule."

The LOC Chairman reiterated the committee's commitment to delivering an exceptional sports festival. "We are planning to have the best sports festival ever seen in this country, and we are leaving no stone unturned in the process. One of our key objectives is to provide athletes with the best possible experience, and part of that is ensuring they are housed comfortably in one location," he explained.

Olopade revealed ongoing discussions with Babcock University regarding accommodation for the athletes. "We have been in talks with Babcock University to accommodate the athletes. The university can host close to fifteen thousand athletes, which would allow us to keep all participants in one place. However, Babcock University can only make their facilities available in January, which is why it makes sense to hold the festival during that period," he stated.

Acknowledging the concerns raised by some stakeholders, Olopade expressed confidence in overcoming these challenges. "We understand the challenges raised by some stakeholders, but we believe these challenges are surmountable if we work together," he concluded.

The clarification provided by Olopade aims to dispel any misconceptions and ensure that all parties involved are aligned with the planned timeline. By prioritizing the athletes' experience and making strategic decisions, the LOC is dedicated to setting a new standard for the National Sports Festival.