The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has confirmed Bayelsa State’s intention to host the 2028 National Sports Festival.
Olopade disclosed this on Monday during a visit to Yenagoa, where he met with key stakeholders and assessed the state’s facilities as part of the evaluation process.
“Today in Yenagoa, I had the privilege of engaging with stakeholders as Bayelsa State officially declared its intention to host the 2028 National Sports Festival,” Olopade said.
“Together with the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, we discussed the state’s preparedness and vision for the festival. We also inspected sporting facilities to evaluate their suitability.
“The National Sports Festival is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of unity, talent, and the future of Nigerian sports. Bayelsa’s commitment is impressive, and we look forward to what lies ahead.”
If successful, Bayelsa will be hosting the biennial event for the first time. Enugu has already been announced as the host of the 2026 edition, following the 2024 games held earlier this year in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Meanwhile, Olopade also intervened in the suspension saga involving Nigerian wrestler Amas Daniel, who has been banned since 2023.
Addressing a group of protesting youths in Yenagoa, the NSC DG explained that the suspension stemmed from disciplinary issues with the Wrestling Federation. He noted that the matter was close to resolution.
“It was a disciplinary action for misconduct. A simple apology would have settled it earlier, but I have now met with both parties, and I am confident the issue will soon be resolved,” Olopade assured.