The 22nd National Sports Festival, aptly tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” concluded in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with the host state making a remarkable late surge to secure the second position on the medals table. This impressive feat saw Ogun State surpass Bayelsa State, ultimately claiming 93 gold, 65 silver, and 80 bronze medals. Delta State maintained its dominance, claiming the overall victory for the ninth time, and fifth consecutively. The closing ceremony, held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, marked the culmination of intense competition and camaraderie among approximately 10,000 athletes representing all 36 states of Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory, and a contingent of invited junior athletes. The festival was a showcase of athleticism, sportsmanship, and the unifying power of sports, leaving a lasting legacy for the nation. Enugu State has been selected as the host for the next edition of the National Sports Festival in 2026.
Prior to the commencement of the games, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State had pledged substantial financial rewards to athletes representing the state who achieved podium finishes. This commitment was not merely a motivational tool; it was a testament to the governor’s recognition of the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices made by these athletes in their pursuit of sporting excellence. The pledged rewards included N2.5 million for each gold medal, N1.5 million for silver, and N1 million for bronze. This significant financial incentive served as a powerful motivator for the Ogun State athletes, driving them to perform at their best and contribute significantly to the state’s overall medal tally. Beyond the medal incentives, the governor also approved N50,000 for every athlete representing Ogun State at the festival, recognizing the importance of supporting all participants regardless of their medal haul.
True to his word, Governor Abiodun initiated the disbursement of the promised financial rewards shortly after the conclusion of the games. Confirmation of these payments came directly from medal-winning athletes who reported receiving notifications and instructions to provide their bank account details for the seamless transfer of funds. This swift action on the part of the governor underscored his commitment to honoring his promise and celebrating the achievements of the state’s athletes. The prompt payment also served to boost the morale of the athletes and reinforce the government’s support for sports development in Ogun State.
The journey to receiving the rewards, however, was not without its challenges. Prior to the disbursement of the medal incentives, the Ogun State athletes staged a protest at the games village located at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo. This protest was triggered by a delay in the payment of the promised N50,000 participation allowance and the N140,000 festival allowance. The athletes’ demonstration, which lasted for over seven hours, disrupted activities at the games village and caused significant delays in the sporting events scheduled for the penultimate day of the competition. Some events even spilled over into the final day, overlapping with the closing ceremony.
Following the athletes’ protest, Governor Abiodun addressed the situation and ensured the prompt payment of the outstanding allowances. Each athlete received the promised N50,000 participation fee, as well as the N140,000 festival allowance. This resolution demonstrated the governor’s responsiveness to the athletes’ concerns and his commitment to ensuring their well-being throughout the festival. While the protest caused temporary disruptions, it ultimately served as a catalyst for ensuring the athletes received their dues and highlighted the importance of timely communication and financial management in such large-scale sporting events.
During the closing ceremony, Governor Abiodun took the opportunity to commend the athletes for their outstanding performances and their contributions to the success of the games. He acknowledged their dedication, discipline, and grace, emphasizing that they had not only competed but also inspired the nation. The governor’s words of praise served as a powerful affirmation of the athletes’ hard work and dedication, reinforcing the sense of pride and accomplishment they felt in representing their state. He also highlighted the collective effort of the entire state in hosting a successful and memorable National Sports Festival, an event that would resonate within the national sporting landscape for years to come.
The 22nd National Sports Festival, hosted by Ogun State, was a resounding success, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Nigerian sports. The event brought together athletes from across the country, fostering a sense of unity and national pride. The impressive performance of the Ogun State athletes, coupled with the governor’s commitment to rewarding their achievements, further elevated the state’s standing in the national sporting arena. The prompt disbursement of the promised financial rewards, despite the earlier challenges with allowance payments, demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting its athletes and promoting sports development within the state. The legacy of the Gateway Games 2024 will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes and contribute to the continued growth and development of sports in Nigeria.
