President Bola Tinubu on Sunday declared open the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Afrosport reports
The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasised the power of sports as a unifying force across Nigeria’s diverse cultural and ethnic landscape.
Speaking during the opening ceremony at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Shettima highlighted the role of sports in fostering national unity, social cohesion, and youth development.
He said “There is no tool more powerful and effective in uniting our people than sports, it transcends ethnic, religious, and political boundaries.”
He commended the athletes for their dedication and called on them to uphold the spirit of fair play and discipline throughout the festival. He encouraged them to view the competition as a stepping stone to greater heights on the global stage.
“I urge all athletes to compete fairly, with integrity and passion,” he said. “Let this be a platform not just for winning medals, but for building character and becoming world beaters.”
The Gateway Games will bring together about fourteen thousand athletes from all 36 states and the FCT, as well as the newly formed Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) competing in various sporting events over the coming days.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed pride in hosting the event and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.
The ceremony featured colorful displays, traditional performances, and the parade of participating states, igniting excitement and anticipation for the days of competition ahead.
Popular Afrobeat singer, David Adeleke fondly known as Davido thrilled the thousands of audience at the ceremony.
