A Gathering of National Leaders and Sports Enthusiasts
The event saw the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, alongside former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, and several state governors, including Prof. Charles Soludo (Anambra), Abiodun Oyebamiji (Osun), and Sen. Ademola Adeleke (Ekiti). Other notable attendees included Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, former governors Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and sports icon Dr. Segun Odegbami, among other political figures and sports enthusiasts.
The festival, expected to attract over 10,000 athletes, is scheduled to run from May 16 to 30, 2025.
Tinubu's Vision: Sports as a Force for National Unity
In his address, President Tinubu underscored the unifying power of sports, stating, "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 emphasized the government's commitment to sports development, highlighting the reorganization of sports administration into a standalone National Sports Commission. "We want it to thrive, autonomous, innovative, and focused because we recognized its critical role in making the nation healthier, stronger, and more united Nigeria," Tinubu stated. He also asserted that his administration has liberated sports administration from vested interests and political interference.
Ogun State's Commitment to National Development
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described the opening ceremony as "world-class and Ogun standard," emphasizing that hosting the NSF reflects the state's dedication to national development. He expressed pride in Ogun State's role in facilitating an event that promotes unity and sportsmanship.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, praised the Ogun State government for accepting the hosting responsibility, acknowledging its commitment to sports development. He also lauded President Tinubu's "visionary leadership" and unwavering support for the sports sector. "This decision has also strengthened sports to be one of the key drivers of our economy," Dikko said, referring to the establishment of the independent NSC.
Dikko also highlighted the introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) program, which he said aligns with President Tinubu's agenda. "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 revealed.
Anticipation for a Landmark Sports Festival
Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, expressed confidence that the "Gateway Games 2024" would be the best National Sports Festival in the country's history. He anticipated the discovery of numerous hidden talents, pledging to nurture them to their full potential.
Olopade also acknowledged Governor Abiodun's support, noting his personal connection to the stadium. "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," he shared, underscoring the significance of the event for both the state and the nation.
The "Gateway Games 2024" is poised to be a significant event, not only for the athletes participating but also for the nation as a whole, reinforcing the power of sports to unify and inspire.