Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Saturday declared open the 8th Kwara State Sports Festival in Ilorin.

The festival, which has drawn athletes from all 16 local government areas of the state, features competitions in 28 sporting events and will run until 29 August 2026.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin, the governor urged the young athletes to uphold unity, sportsmanship and discipline throughout the competition.

Representing the governor, Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Bola Magaji, commended the chairmen of the 16 local government areas for mobilising their contingents for the festival.

Magaji said the competition was aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, fostering friendships among young people, encouraging sportsmanship and identifying sporting talents at grassroots level.

"We are here to compete, we are here to make friends, and we are here to showcase sports. Unity remains our best option," he said.

He said the revival of the biennial state sports festival after a prolonged break marked another step towards youth engagement, grassroots talent identification and increased use of sports facilities across the state.

Magaji urged the athletes to give their best in their respective events while maintaining a balance between sports and education.

He advised the young competitors to maximise their sporting abilities while in their formative years but stressed that education remained important to their long-term development.

He subsequently declared the festival open on behalf of the governor.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Steve Olarinoye, thanked the state government and other stakeholders for their support towards the organisation of the festival.

Olarinoye also urged the participating athletes and teams to compete fairly and adhere to the rules governing their respective events.

The festival brings together athletes, coaches and officials from across Kwara State in a series of competitions designed to identify and develop emerging sporting talents.