Ogun State's commitment to inspiring thousands of Nigerian youths through the power of sports was evident throughout both the opening and closing ceremonies, leaving a lasting legacy that is likely to resonate for years to come.
Delta State Dominates, Ogun Secures Second
In the spirit of fierce but friendly competition, Delta State emerged as the overall champions of the Games, successfully defending the title they clinched two years prior as hosts in Asaba. Delta State's athletes amassed an impressive total of 337 medals, comprising 126 gold, 100 silver, and 111 bronze.
Ogun State, as the host, put up a commendable performance, securing a strong second place with 93 gold, 65 silver, and 80 bronze medals. Bayelsa State finished a close third, with a haul of 92 gold, 65 silver, and 71 bronze medals.
Rounding out the top five states were Rivers and Edo States. Rivers claimed fourth position with 76 gold, 58 silver, and 65 bronze medals, while Edo finished fifth with 73 gold, 101 silver, and 119 bronze medals.
Other states that made it to the top ten include:
- Lagos: 6th position with 38 gold, 43 silver, 88 bronze medals.
- Oyo: 7th position with 38 gold, 37 silver, and 51 bronze medals.
- FCT: 8th position with 14 gold, 8 silver, and 17 bronze medals.
- Osun: 9th position with 13 gold, 3 silver, and 11 bronze medals.
- Akwa Ibom: Completing the top ten with 12 gold, 11 silver, and 20 bronze medals.
Notably, the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA), a group designed to inspire the next generation, delivered an impressive performance, finishing in 18th position overall with 2 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze medals. In total, a staggering 2,139 medals were awarded at the Games, consisting of 633 gold, 624 silver, and 882 bronze medals. Anambra State also received special recognition, winning the gender-balanced award for presenting an impressive equal number of male and female contingents.
Tributes and Future Aspirations
The closing ceremony featured high-profile dignitaries, with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, serving as the special guest of honor. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Senator Akpabio extended heartfelt appreciation to the Government and people of Ogun State for their exemplary hospitality throughout the Games.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, reiterated his commitment to sustaining the gains of the festival, particularly in maintaining the newly built sporting infrastructure. "We are truly fulfilled for hosting the entire country in the last few days, and doing this has even inspired us to ensure we keep this momentum by ensuring the adequate maintenance of our sporting infrastructure for many years to come," Governor Abiodun stated.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the festival's success. "The NSC is very grateful to everyone that sacrificed day and night to ensure we delivered very good games with the festival," Dikko remarked, extending appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and praising Governor Dapo Abiodun as a "true sports leader."
Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, officially passed the hosting flag to Enugu State for the 23rd edition of the Games in 2026. He challenged the "Coal City State" to surpass the standards set by Ogun. "Ogun State has done an exceptional job as a host, and this is due to the visionary and intentional leadership of the Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and this is the standard Enugu State must try to surpass, and I have no doubt that Governor Peter Mbah will deliver another world-class Games in 2026," Olopade affirmed.
A highlight of the closing ceremony was the cutting of a cake to celebrate Governor Dapo Abiodun's 65th birthday, led by the Senate President. The entire stadium crowd joined in a resounding "Happy Birthday" chorus for the Governor. The evening culminated in dazzling musical performances by Fuji Legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam1) and Afrobeat superstar Wande Coal, who transformed the arena into a carnival of non-stop entertainment, including the Governor. The "Gateway Games 2024" truly lived up to the original vision of the festival's founding fathers.