As excitement filled the air, the Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, voiced his deep optimism about the championship’s impact. Receiving a delegation led by Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the monarch predicted that many of Africa’s next global stars will emerge from the Abeokuta games.

“I’m overjoyed that this event is being hosted in our historic city,” the Alake said. “And I’m confident that several of these young athletes will go on to shine across the world.”

In true Abeokuta fashion, the monarch also took the opportunity to share a piece of history: “We were the first in West Africa to send a traditional ruler to Europe in 1904. When Nigeria was colonized, Abeokuta had already signed a treaty of friendship with the British in 1893. We were never conquered.”

He urged visiting CAA officials to take in the full cultural experience, recommending stops at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and local adire textile markets. “Don’t leave empty-handed—carry a memory of Abeokuta with you,” he advised warmly.

President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Halmad Kalkaba Malboum, praised Nigeria for stepping up to host the tournament after Algeria withdrew. He expressed deep appreciation to His Royal Highness, the Alake of Egbaland, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the national support that made the event possible in such a short time.

Malboum was joined by his full executive board and World Athletics delegates, who described Abeokuta as an ideal setting for nurturing Africa’s athletic future.