After emerging as the 8th-best state at the 21st National Sports Festival in Asaba with 70 medals comprising 15 gold, 18 silver, and 37 bronze, Ogun State has been confirmed as the next host of the biennial sporting event.
Honourable minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare made the anticipated announcement during the closing ceremony of the festival in Asaba Saturday evening.
Chief Dare who represented President Buhari at the closing ceremony said the state emerged tops after the rigorous selection process.
“I have the pleasure tonight to announce the next host of the 2024 edition of the National Sports Festival, the next host for the 22nd National Sports Festival is Ogun State.”
“For the first time, we have a runner-up – the runners-up for the bidding is Oyo State.”
Oyo States also expressed interest in hosting what is fondly referred to as Nigeria’s version of the Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, Hosts, Delta defended their title as champions of Edo 2020 with 648 medals, after a total of 320 gold, 200 silver, and 128 bronze medals.
Bayelsa state settled for the second position with 337 medals, comprising 132 gold, 115 silver, and 90 bronze medals, while Edo grabbed 339 medals made up of 78 gold, 94 silver, and 167 bronze medals.