Dare hails NSC, Gov Abiodun for spectacular Gateway 2024 opening
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Sunday Dare, has commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for organizing a spectacular opening ceremony at the 22nd National Sports Festival.
Dare, a former Minister of Youth and Sports, attended the event at the Moshood Abiola Stadium and praised the NSC leadership under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honourable Bukola Olopade for delivering what he described as “a sparkling splendor” that celebrated both sports and national unity.
“The opening ceremony was a sparkling splendor — a combustion of excitement as the stadium was filled and the beautiful scenes unfolded,” he said.
The ceremony was graced by several high-profile dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, and a number of serving governors.
Dare attributed the success of the event to strong preparation and leadership from the NSC, as well as the commitment of Governor Abiodun in hosting the festival.
“Many kudos must go to the duo of Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade for their firm leadership. But the boss of them all is the host Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for pulling out all the stops to make this a reality,” Dare stated.
He also applauded President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing support of sports development and efforts to foster national unity. “Final kudos go to the President, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, who sent quality representation and is building a united Nigeria through investment in sports,” he said.
Dare concluded by noting that Ogun State has set a high standard for the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival, to be hosted by Enugu State. Over 12,000 athletes from across the country are participating in the ongoing festival.
