The 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” commenced in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with a vibrant opening ceremony. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, officially declared the games open, emphasizing the unifying power of sports and its significance in fostering national cohesion. The event, held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, drew a distinguished audience, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and several state governors. The festival, attracting over 10,000 athletes, promises to be a showcase of athleticism and sportsmanship, spanning from May 16th to 30th, 2025. President Tinubu’s message underscored the government’s recognition of sports as a vital aspect of national life, highlighting the recent reorganization of sports administration into an independent National Sports Commission, a move aimed at fostering innovation and autonomy within the sector.
President Tinubu, speaking through Vice President Shettima, emphasized the integral role of sports in uniting Nigerians, transcending regional and ethnic differences. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to fostering a thriving sports sector, free from political interference and vested interests. This commitment is reflected in the establishment of the independent National Sports Commission, designed to facilitate the growth and professionalization of the sports industry. Tinubu’s message resonated with the spirit of the festival, emphasizing the power of sports to bring people together and inspire national pride. The opening ceremony was lauded by Governor Dapo Abiodun as a world-class event, reflecting Ogun State’s dedication to national development.
Governor Abiodun expressed pride in Ogun State’s hosting of the National Sports Festival, highlighting the state’s commitment to sports development and national unity. The Governor’s remarks echoed the President’s sentiment, emphasizing the festival as a celebration of Nigeria’s diversity and shared aspirations. The presence of dignitaries such as former President Obasanjo and Wole Soyinka underscored the significance of the event and its role in promoting national unity and cultural exchange. The convergence of athletes from across the country further solidified the festival’s role as a platform for national integration. The festival was seen not solely as a sporting event but as a celebration of Nigerian diversity, unity, and the shared aspiration for a stronger nation.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, commended Ogun State’s commitment to sports development and its hosting of the festival. He emphasized the role of sports in celebrating national diversity and unity, echoing the sentiments expressed by President Tinubu and Governor Abiodun. Dikko also lauded President Tinubu’s visionary leadership in establishing the National Sports Commission, a decision he believed would lay the foundation for sustainable growth and professionalism within the sports industry. The introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) program, with over 200 participants, marked a significant milestone in the festival’s history and aligned with the government’s agenda for sports development.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission further highlighted the historical significance of President Tinubu’s decision to restructure the sports sector, emphasizing its potential long-term positive impact not only on sports but also on other social and political sectors. This restructuring, according to Dikko, demonstrates the President’s willingness to make bold decisions for the collective good of the nation. The introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes program further underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering future generations of athletes. The program provides a unique opportunity for young athletes to gain experience and exposure at a national level competition.
Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the NSC, expressed confidence that the 2024 National Sports Festival would be the best in the country’s history, predicting the discovery and development of numerous talented athletes. He expressed his personal connection to the event, recalling his role as Sports Commissioner in Ogun State 19 years prior. Olopade lauded Governor Abiodun’s unwavering support for the festival and his commitment to its success. His emotional connection to the stadium, having served as Sports Commissioner in the past, underscored the significance of the festival for both the state and the nation. Olopade’s optimism for the festival’s success and the unearthing of new sporting talent reflected the overall positive atmosphere surrounding the “Gateway Games 2024.”
