The 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed Gateway Games, kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony that exuded energy, colour, and national pride. Among the dignitaries who graced the event was Ambassador Adewale Adeogun, National Coordinator, Tinubu National Think-Tank (TNT) who praised the event's vibrant atmosphere and seamless organization, highlighting its potential to empower Nigerian youth.
Ambassador Adeogun who is also a member of the Governing Council of Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta state praised the exceptional hosting of the National Sports Festival in Ogun State under Governor Dapo Abiodun's leadership, marking the first Sports Festival during President Tinubu's administration. He highlighted the event's infectious energy and flawless execution, noting the evident enthusiasm and delight among athletes, officials, and the local community.
He was confident that Nigerian sports is in capable hands, led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, whom he described as two seasoned sports administrators with extensive experience and expertise.
He said “Being the first National sports festival under this present administration, you can see the difference. The current crop of people that are handling sports in Nigeria today are the best. The chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade are one of the best hands you can have to coordinate sports because they have been there for a very long time. They both have decades of experience, planning sports at the local government and state levels, and now you can see the difference at the National level.”
Ambassador Adeogun further underscored the Tinubu administration's renewed commitment to sports, citing recent initiatives that have lifted athlete morale, notably the settlement of outstanding payments of the athletes.
“The youth will gain more from the sports development agenda of Mr. President and I am very sure that by the end of this Festival their lives will never be the same again, because I know the President will empower them to the next level of their career.
“What we have seen here today, the excitement of our Governor, from the political office holders, from the CDC’s and, of course, from those athletes who have arrived in Ogun state in the last two or three days, I promise you this Festival will be the best ever. You can see that this event was postponed two times because Ogun state wants to give their best.
“I am sure you must have seen the reaction of Mr. President in sporting activities lately. Most of the athletes that were owed money by the previous administrations have now been paid. Look at the reaction of Mr. President when Remo Stars Football Club won the Nigerian league, the president practically congratulated the team and encouraged them to represent the country on the continent and bring home more laurels. These are some of the things that give joy to athletes. It’s not only about money but about encouragement, and I am sure the president will encourage these athletes.”
The opening ceremony was held at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena and was attended by the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, representing the President, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and other dignitaries. The games commenced on May 16th and are expected to close on May 30th, 2025.
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