Tinubu Declares National Sports Festival Open

On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu officially opened the 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed “Gateway Games 2024,” in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu urged athletes to compete with integrity and embody true sportsmanship during the event.

The opening ceremony, held at the main bowl of MKO Abiola International Stadium in Kuto, Abeokuta, was attended by notable figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, and the Governors of Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti States—Prof Charles Soludo, Abiodun Oyebamiji, and Sen Ademola Adeleke, respectively.

Other prominent attendees included Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, former Ogun State governors Chief Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel (now a senator for Ogun East), former international footballer Dr Segun Odegbami, and various political figures and sports enthusiasts from across Nigeria.

The festival, running from May 16 to May 30, 2025, is expected to draw over 10,000 athletes. In his opening remarks, Tinubu highlighted sports as a unifying force for Nigeria, emphasizing its role in fostering national cohesion.

He said the government recognised sport as a way of life, hence the reorganisation of sport administration to become a stand-alone National Sport Commission.

Tinubu noted that his administration has freed sports administration from vested interests and political interference.

“We want it to thrive, autonomous, innovative, and focussed because we recognised it critical role in making the nation healthier, stronger and more united Nigeria,” he said.

He emphasized that sports remain a key driver of national unity.

“Indeed, nothing has brought the nation together like sport, whether on the pitch, in the court, or on the track. We are reminded daily that we’re not strangers to one another, we are compatriots drawn from different roots but drinking from the same well of national pride,” he said.

Governor Abiodun, speaking at the event, described the opening ceremony as world-class and reflective of Ogun State’s high standards. He noted that hosting the National Sports Festival is not only an honor but also a demonstration of Ogun’s commitment to national development.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, praised the Ogun State government for hosting the festival, highlighting its dedication to sports development.

He emphasized that sports serve as a powerful tool for celebrating Nigeria’s diversity and unity.

“It is not just a sporting event; it is a celebration of our diversity, our unity, and our shared aspiration to build a stronger Nigeria through the power of sport,” he said.

Dikko commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and steadfast support for the sports sector, noting that the establishment of the National Sports Commission has laid the foundation for sustainable growth and professionalism in the industry.

“This decision has also strengthened sports to be one of the key drivers of our economy.

“Indeed, this clearly underlines the futuristic vision of Mr President and a clear propensity to take bold decisions, so long he believes they are right and for the collective good of all.

“Indeed, history will be kind to Mr President for this decision, not just in the sports sector but across other political and social sectors of the country.

“For the first time in the history of the sports festival and in line with the agenda of the Tinubu’s government, we introduced the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) and we have over 200 of them participating in this festival,” he said.

Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission, expressed confidence that the 2024 festival would be the most memorable in Nigeria’s history. He predicted that the event would uncover numerous talented athletes, whose potential would be nurtured to excellence.

Olopade praised Governor Abiodun for his steadfast support in ensuring the festival’s success. Reflecting on his personal connection, he added,

“This is a very emotional speech for me. 19 years ago, I stood on the tracks of this stadium as a sports commissioner in Ogun

“We are sure and very convinced that this would be the best festival you’ll observe in the country. We’re convinced that the festival will produce many champions.”