The WAMUFAT/NSSF Annual Sports Fiesta has opened at the Agroterra Sports Complex in Joga Orile, Ogun State, bringing together more than 300 young participants for a five-day programme that ends on Saturday, August 8.
Key takeaways
- The event is the second staging of the annual initiative.
- Children between six and 16 have travelled from across Nigeria’s South-West region to attend.
- The camp is being delivered by WAMUFAT Youth Sports Development alongside the Nigeria School Sport Federation, with backing from Agroterra Sports Complex.
- Activities include free instruction in seven sports, plus mentoring and leadership training.
- The schedule concludes with a Community Race Day on August 8.
Camp opens with call for stronger school sports
The fiesta began on August 4 at the Joga Orile facility and is scheduled to continue through Saturday. The gathering follows the inaugural edition held in 2025 and has attracted students from throughout the South-West.
HRH Professor Saka Matemilola, the Paramount Ruler of the Owu Kingdom, formally opened the camp. He encouraged the young athletes to make full use of the platform to improve their abilities, while asking governments at every level to place greater emphasis on school sport as the foundation of a successful sporting country.
WAMUFAT founder Fatimo Mohamed explained that continuing the project beyond its maiden edition reflected her desire to give back to the community. She said the camp had demonstrated that it was possible to develop champions who also receive a sound education.
Partners outline long-term ambitions
NSSF president Olabisi Joseph called the collaboration an important step forward for Nigerian school sports. He also appealed to additional individuals and organisations to invest in grassroots programmes of this kind.
Agroterra Resort chairman Engr. Abdulrasheed Afonja said the venue’s support for initiatives such as the fiesta was one of the main reasons the facility was created. He expressed the hope that the programme would expand and play a lasting role in developing sporting talent for Ogun State and Nigeria.
During the camp, participants will receive coaching at no cost in athletics, football, chess, netball, golf, ayo and tennis. The sporting sessions will be supplemented by mentoring and leadership activities, following a daily curriculum centred on Gratitude, Respect, Excellence, Teamwork, Resilience and Integrity.
