The first day of the swimming event at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta brought excitement to hosts, Ogun State, as Omolola Tobiloba Akinsanmi etched her name into the history books by winning the state’s first-ever gold medal in the women’s 800-metre freestyle.

   Speaking with The Guardian shortly after winning the gold medal, dark-complexioned Akinsami said: “I actually worked for this event because the 800m is a very long event, so I had to prepare mentally.

   “Even though I started in third, I kept telling myself I was ready. I believed I had the energy to win, and so I kept pushing. When I got to the halfway mark, I pushed harder and started gaining speed. At this point, I said to myself I am going to get this gold and I did. I am so happy that I was able to crown my effort with the gold medal,” she said.  With her feat, Akinsanmi won N2.5 million, which Governor Dapo Abiodun promised every Ogun State gold medallist at the Games.

  Meanwhile, the President of the Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria, Morris Atula, has stressed the need for Nigerians to be truly united using sports as a major driving force.

   Atula, a former Nigeria, Commonwealth, and world wrestling champion, said the successful and flamboyant opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival on Sunday reaffirmed that Nigerians can, if united, achieve more from sports.

   While praising the government and people of Ogun State for improving the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Atula stated there was a glaring resolve by stakeholders to get the best from the fiesta.

   Atula, who is the chairman of the Edo Wrestling Association, urged all state governments to build and improve sports facilities to fast-track efforts of the Federal Government to build a more united and prosperous nation.

  “I must give kudos to the Ogun State government and National Sports Commission,” he said. “Beside my humble self, millions of Nigerians were overwhelmed by the spectacular opening ceremony. The facilities and performances are world-class hence we must take it to the next level. We have quality athletes who simply need such regular facilities, support, and ambiance to be among the best in the world. We are a sports-loving people hence sports should be fully revived to check restiveness and insecurity.”