In a fortunate turn of events, members of the Lagos State contingent traveling to the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State survived a bus accident earlier today.
The incident occurred as the team was en route to Abeokuta for the festival, which commenced on May 16 and is scheduled to run until May 30, 2025.
According to our source, the bus encountered difficulties that led to the accident. Emergency services responded promptly, and all athletes and officials were safely evacuated. Medical evaluations confirmed that there were no fatalities, and all individuals involved are in stable condition.
The National Sports Festival, often referred to as Nigeria’s “Unity Games,” is a biennial multi-sport event organized by the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission. Established in 1973, the festival aims to promote peace and cross-cultural affiliation in Nigeria, as well as to develop athletic talent across the nation .
This year’s edition, dubbed the “Gateway Games,” marks the second time Ogun State has hosted the festival, the first being in 2006. The event was initially scheduled for January 2025 but was postponed to May to allow for better preparation and implementation of recommendations from the joint technical committee .
The Lagos State contingent’s resilience and the swift response of emergency services ensured that the athletes can continue to participate in the festival. The incident underscores the importance of safety measures and preparedness in large-scale sporting events.
As the festival continues, the spirit of unity and sportsmanship remains strong among the participating states, with athletes competing in various disciplines to showcase their talents and bring glory to their respective regions.
