The 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, officially kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony in Ogun State, signaling what promises to be a groundbreaking celebration of Nigerian sports, culture, and unity. The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, set the tone for the festival during a high-level engagement with state delegates, assuring them of an edition that would redefine the standards of the games.
From vibrant cultural displays to electrifying performances by music stars Davido and Asa, the ceremony captivated athletes, officials, and sports enthusiasts from across the country and beyond, with many calling it a world-class showcase. In his welcome address, Olopade emphasized the core values underpinning the festival discipline, unity, love, and focus calling on participants to compete with integrity. “Let medals be won with honor, not by crook,” he stated firmly, championing fair play and true sportsmanship as the cornerstone of the event.
Olopade credited the rapid transformation in Nigeria’s sports sector to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering support. “We are where we are today revamping, reshaping, and resetting our sports ecosystem because of Mr. President’s vision. He is the reason the National Sports Festival now wears a world-class look,” he said. He also praised the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, for his steadfast commitment to the success of the festival, noting that Dikko’s passion must inspire both athletes and officials alike.
Special commendation was reserved for the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his pivotal role in hosting the event and mobilizing the necessary resources. Describing the event as “a festival of modern times,” Olopade expressed confidence that Gateway Games 2024 would cement Ogun State’s place on both the national and global sports map.
In an emotional conclusion, he told attendees:
“Welcome to my story a game I bid for, a journey that has my name written all over it.” With the games officially underway, expectations are high that Ogun 2024 will be remembered not just for athletic excellence, but also as a celebration of Nigerian pride, resilience, and unity.
