Traders and exhibitors at the National Sports Festival (NSF) have expressed hope of making significant sales as the event is expected to attract a huge crowd.

Over a thousand business owners were observed at their stands as the games were officially declared open on Sunday in Abeokuta.

The games, tagged “Gateway Games 2024”, are being held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

A food vendor, Bolaji Adekunle, who said sales had been fine since the arrival day on Friday, still expressed the hope of making more sales before the festival ends.

“I have been selling moi-moi and pap since Friday, and the sales have been fair. I still expect more sales due to more people attending the opening ceremonies.

“I believe I will make a lot of gains like never before this period,” she said.

A drink vendor, Folashade Adeosun, who complained of low sales, attributed it to the enormous number of traders permitted at the venue.

“I just pray I make more sales because I see here that the organisers have allowed too many business owners, even more than the people coming for the festival.

“I pray I recover the money I spent on obtaining a space here; I spent N80,000 before this space was allocated to me,” she said.

Nevertheless, she commended the organisers on security issues, saying their goods had been properly watched since they arrived.

“They have done well in terms of security, we leave our goods here, only having to cover them with nylon, and we have not heard of anyone whose goods have been stolen,” she said.

A sports and fitness accessories trader, John Okon, also bemoaned the low sales situation.

He said his expectation of making profits was dashed the moment he stepped into the stadium, faulting the organisers for being unorganised and slow in their preparations.

“This is the worst festival I have attended. I came from Lagos, and things are not organised like this.

“The money they collected from us is just too much for participation.

“We are not even given accommodation. At least those of us from far distances should have somewhere to rest our heads.

“Also, there are no toilet provisions for business owners.

“I urge the organisers to do more and treat us well by providing all these basic things,” he said.

On the other hand, an Adire seller, identified simply as Sherifat, said the festival had exposed her to wider patronage, which would lead to more sales and opportunities.

“I have, within two days, made great sales in my Adire business and also enjoyed the opportunity to meet prospective customers.

“I know that before the end of the festival, I will make a lot of profit.

“With the influx of people, I am so hopeful that before the end of the festival, I will be out of stock,” she said. 

The market section of the games is mainly occupied by food vendors of local delicacies, exhibitors, soft drink and beverage companies, hair vendors, and commercial banks, among others. 

(NAN)