President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sports as a strategic tool for national development, unity, and patriotism.
The President made this known during the grand opening of the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Representing the President at the event was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who declared the festival officially open.
Speaking at the vibrant ceremony, Vice President Shettima emphasized the administration’s recognition of sports as a powerful unifying force for Nigerians across all backgrounds.
“Sports provide a crucial rallying ground for patriotism and unity. The Tinubu administration views sports not only as recreation but as a catalyst for national cohesion and socio-economic growth,” Shettima stated.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, the host of the festival, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the indispensable role sports play in promoting peace, unity, and development in Nigeria.
“Our national development depends on peaceful coexistence, and sports remain one of the most powerful platforms for fostering that unity,” Governor Abiodun remarked.
The Governor also assured participants and spectators of a secure environment throughout the festival, noting that a robust security framework has been implemented in collaboration with national security agencies.
“As we mark this turning point in Nigeria’s sporting history, I assure you that the next ten days will be filled with dazzling talent, record-breaking feats, and the true spirit of sportsmanship,” he added.
The opening ceremony was a spectacle of culture, music, and athletic spirit. Thousands of attendees were thrilled by electrifying performances from music stars including Asa and Meskey Milliano, as well as vibrant calisthenics, fireworks, and cultural displays showcasing the heritage of the South-West region.
The event drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo; governors from the South-West region; Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State; former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba; former Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole; Senators Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Olamilekan Adeola; and Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.
Over 10,000 athletes from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory are participating in the multi-sport event, which will run until Friday, May 30, 2025.
The Gateway Games 2024 not only celebrates athletic excellence but also reinforces Nigeria’s enduring belief in the unifying power of sports — a theme that resonated clearly throughout the opening ceremony.