ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE – Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio officially closed the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, calling it “a celebration of strength and spirit.”
In a speech posted on his social media handle, Akpabio praised participants, saying, “Every single participant is a winner, you earned your right to stand on this platform.”
He commended the Nigerian Sports Commission for a “flawless festival,” and thanked the host state for providing a secure and inspiring environment for the event.
Recalling his tenure as Akwa Ibom Governor, Akpabio said he built the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium to show belief in sports as a national asset.
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“Sports is no longer a pastime; it is an economic force,” he said, citing global industry valuations nearing $507 billion by 2025.
Akpabio noted Africa’s sports sector contributes just 0.5% to GDP, calling it a “growth gap” and an urgent opportunity for development and investment.
He urged schools to integrate sports, and called on corporations to fund leagues, clubs, and academies “not as charity, but strategic partnerships.”
Telling Messi’s story, Akpabio emphasized the need to believe in talent early. “Talent is universal but opportunity is not,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to support youth sports: “Be the one who believes, who builds, who backs a dream.”
Akpabio concluded, “To Nigeria, your greatness is only beginning,” before formally declaring the festival closed.