BY ISAAC AFOLABI
Ogun State has been named the next host of the national sports festival.
The official announcement was made at the closing ceremony of the 21st edition of the festival held inside the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi stadium Asaba, Delta state by the minister of youth and sports development, Mr Sunday Dare.
Speaking to athletes and fans, Mr Dare charged Nigerians to at all times see the advantages in sports which has the ability to promote unity, peace and love among them.
He praised the Delta state government for putting up logistics to host the festival.
Meanwhile the next Sports Festival, which is the 22nd edition, is billed to hold in 2024.
In the meantime, Oyo State has been asked to stand-by in case Ogun State fails to meet up with the expected standard for the festival such as the ones used at the just concluded ‘Delta 2022’.
At the end of the tournament, Delta state was announced the overall winner of the festival with 320 gold, 200 silver and 120 bronze medals.
Team Bayelsa is in second position with 132 gold, 115 silver and 90 bronze medals.
Edo State came third with 78 gold, 94 silver and 167 bronze medals.
Oyo State placed fourth with 50 gold, 51 silver and 62 bronze medals while Lagos State is fifth with 41 gold, 57 silver and 74 bronze medals.
Ondo State finished 13th with 11 gold 15 silver and 20 bronze medals