*FG pledges more support for sports, under the Renewed Hope Agenda
Hostilities in various centres will take centre stage tomorrow in the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), Gateway Games 2024, after a colourful opening ceremony today, Sunday May 18, 2025.
The opening ceremony, held at the Main-Bowl of the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State was witnessed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who was represented by the Vice President, Mallam Kashim Shettima, GCON.
The opening ceremony, which was a pure display of cultural heritage of the nation, and that of the host State, Ogun state especially, was a testamony that the Games, which was introduced in 1973 is not just a celebration of sports and culture, but a movement.
While declaring the Games open, President Tinubu pledged his administration’s continous support for sports and youth development, under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Sports brings people together, irrespective of class, ethnicity and religion. Re-organisation of sports under this administration is in recognition of its importance, and we shall continue to explore more opportunities for the growth of our nation, and celebration of our unity.
He commended Prince Dapo Abiodun for hosting the Games, describing him as an excellent host.
Ogun Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun described the hosting of the multi-sports event as a defining moment in the history of the Games.
“It’s a celebration of unity and vibrancy of the youth. I will want to thank President Tinubu for his unwavering support for sports, through the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Festival is for national integration, youth empowerment and development of sports potentials in the youth.
“We decided to host the Festival because of our unshakable believe in the power of sports, as catalyst for youth empowerment, and we hope to provide the necessary support that will make the festival worthwhile.
He commended the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade for their support. He equally commended MOC and LOC members, sponsors, partners, volunteers and others, for their contributions.
The Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who termed the opening ceremony as amazing said that the Festival is a celebration of diversity and unity through the power of sports.
He commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership, which he says, has laid a solid foundation for sports as a key factor in nation building.
“We are re-directing sports as a national asset for job creation, both direct and indirect, through the Reset, Refocus and Relaunch initiative, for economic relevance.We recognise sports as a veritable tool for national cohesion.
The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, while delivering what he termed as emotional speech, said that 19 years ago, he stood on the track of the same Stadium to deliver Gateway Games Ogun 2006, then as the Commissioner for Sports. Today, he is the Director General, NSC.
He added that the Gateway Games Ogun 2024 will be the best Festival that is going to be observed in history.
While welcoming all the states to the festival, the Commissioner for Sports in Ogun state, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka said that the state is proudly honoured to host the festival, which, according to him, is not just an event, but a tool to promote unity, change life and encourage togetherness.
Among the notable personalities that graced the opening ceremony are the former President, General Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Wole Soyinka, State Governors, National Assembly members, Ministers, State Assembly members, among others.
All the states of the Federation, except Benue and Kebbi states participated in the traditional Match Pass. Athletes from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA), who were registered as the 38th state also participated in the Match Pass.
The states are the host, Ogun State, as well as the defending champions, Delta State.
Others are Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross Rivers, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Kogi states.
Also among the states that took part in the Match Pass are Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and Delta.
The colourful ceremony was rounded off with fire-works, after a spectacular display by Davido.
