As the June 28, 2025, Olympic Day approaches, 17 states across Nigeria have confirmed their readiness to host celebrations aimed at promoting fitness, wellness, and widespread participation in sports.
The participating states include Edo, Plateau, Ondo, Taraba, Enugu, Delta, Kwara, Anambra, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Kogi, Gombe, Osun, Imo, and Lagos, which also hosts the secretariat of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will serve as the official venue for the national flag-off of the event.
According to a statement by Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer of the NOC, each state will host a range of demonstration sports and inclusive physical activities tailored to engage both individuals and groups.
Highlights of this year’s Olympic Day include jogging, walking, and other mass participation activities designed to encourage healthy lifestyles by promoting calorie burning, muscle toning, and stress reduction.
In previous editions, Olympic Day celebrations were largely limited to 5km and 10km races, but feedback from participants and advocates of the Olympic Movement led to a broader programme for 2025. This year’s expanded lineup aims to attract wider participation and encourage long-term commitment to fitness.
Austin Odigie, Coordinating Officer of the NOC’s Sport for All Commission, described the event as a growing national movement focused on making fitness accessible to all Nigerians.
Chairman of the NOC’s Sport for All Commission and President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, urged state governments to actively support the initiative. He encouraged states not yet involved to see Olympic Day as a valuable platform to unite communities through sport and promote public health.
The celebrations will be officially launched by NOC President, Engr. Habu Gumel, at a special event in Abuja, marking a key moment on Nigeria’s sporting calendar.
