The 22nd National Sports Festival, known as the “Gateway Games 2024,” was formally opened by President Bola Tinubu on Sunday. It is being held in Ogun State’s capital, Abeokuta.
A sizable contingent of dignitaries and sports fans attended the opening ceremony, which was held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Kuto.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who attended the ceremony on behalf of President Tinubu, repeated the president’s words by advising the athletes to compete honorably and with the genuine spirit of sportsmanship.
Prominent individuals graced the opening ceremony, including Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and state governors Charles Soludo of Anambra and Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.
Distinguished political and athletic figures from all over Nigeria were also present, including the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, former Ogun State governors Chief Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who is currently a senator representing Ogun East, and renowned former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami.
The event, which will take place from May 16 to 30, 2025, is expected to draw over 10,000 competitors and feature a wide range of athletic disciplines.
President Tinubu emphasized the unifying influence of sports in Nigeria during his speech at the event, saying that “nothing unites the country like sport.”
He emphasized that his government’s recognition of the importance of sports in Nigerian society led to the decision to reinstate a separate National Sports Commission, thereby liberating sports administration from the constraints of political interference and vested interests.
“We recognize its critical role in making Nigeria healthier, stronger, and more united, so we want it to thrive, autonomous, innovative, and focused,” he said.
He reaffirmed that sports should be seen as a unifying factor for the country, bringing together people from different origins who are bound together by a common sense of pride and purpose, rather than merely as a means of rivalry.
The inauguration event was hailed by Governor Abiodun, who said it was of the highest caliber and reflected Ogun State’s excellent standards.
He said that in addition to being a state honor, hosting the National Sports Festival shows Ogun’s dedication to using sports to promote national development.
It is a celebration of our unity, diversity, and individuality, not just a sporting eventand our shared aspiration to build a stronger Nigeria through the power of sport,” he said.