*Media men urged to showcase host state’s culture, hospitality
With the hosting of the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), Ogun State has made history, joining the states that have hosted the multi-sports Games more than once.
Ogun State first hosted the Games in 2006, and is presently doing so after 19 years. Senator Gbenga Daniel was the Governor when they hosted the Games in 2006, and was present at the opening ceremony yesterday, to witness the current Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun set the stage for yet another spectacle.
Lagos state hosted the very first Games in 1973, and had the opportunity of repeating same feat in 1975.
The Nigerian National Sports Festival was conceived as a biennial multi-sports event being organized by National Sports Commission for athletes from the 36 States of Nigeria, and Abuja.
The Games was originally conceived as a ‘unifying tool’ with the main purpose of promoting peace and cross-cultural affiliation in Nigeria after the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. The Games also serves as a development and training event to aid athletes prepare for continental and international meets.
Lagos also hosted the Games in 1989 and 2012, to record the highest number of time the state hosted the Festival.
Edo state hosted the Games three times (as Bendel State in 1981 and Edo in 2002 and 2021).
With the Gateway Games 2024, Ogun State joined the four previous states to have hosted it twice, making it five states to have done so.
The states are Bauchi (1991 and 2000), Kaduna (1977 and 2009), Rivers (1988 and 2011), while the Games was.also staged in Abuja in 2004 and 2018.
The states that hosted the Games once are Oyo (Oluyole 79), Kwara (1985), Benue (1996), Imo (1998) and Delta (2022). The Mid-Western state became known as Bendel State. Also, Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta states in 1991.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Public Communications, Mr. Dare Adefowokan has called on media personnel covering the 22nd National Sports Festival to use the platform to highlight the host state’s rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality.
Speaking at the Media Centre today, Monday May 19, 2025, Adefowokan emphasized that the festival presents a unique opportunity for networking and social interaction among journalists and media professionals across the country.
“The festival is not just about sports; it’s also about promoting unity, culture, and tourism,” he said.
“We encourage media professionals to help project Ogun State positively by showcasing our values, friendliness, and vibrant cultural identity.”
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Media Sub-Committee, Mr. Adekunle Solaja, urged media practitioners to give their full cooperation in publicizing the biannual sporting event, which he described as a critical avenue for sports development and youth engagement in Nigeria.
The 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, was officially declared open in a colourful ceremony at the newly renovated MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
The event was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, among other dignitaries.
