The U-18/U-20 African Athletics Championship 2025 concluded last Sunday in Abeokuta. I’m astonished that there hasn’t been an outpouring of praise for Ogun State, which stepped in at the ‘last minute’ to host this international event and successfully organized a remarkable championship. The event has now passed. There were none of the typical obstacles, such as subpar arrangements, inadequate equipment, poor facilities, incompetence, or disorganization, that frequently plague various international sports events in Nigeria. The highlight of the championship was the serene and welcoming environment surrounding the Arena where all the events were held. Throughout the day, everything functioned seamlessly, as if it were on autopilot. During the night, the atmosphere erupts into unmatched chaos of social and business activities. Don’t miss: African Athletics Arrives in Abeokuta! – Odegbami. The behavior of the audience, primarily the local residents, should serve as a subject for a case study. I can only conclude that the relaxed atmosphere of the city, along with the cultural refinement of its residents, influences their behavior. They carry out their tasks and activities independently, without requiring supervision from security personnel or other authorities.
