Former Sports Minister to attend opening of National Sports Festival in Ogun

Innocent RaphaelMay 15, 2025

1 minute read

WhatsApp Image 2024 11 03 at 5.54.05 AM 2 — Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation to President Bola Tinubu.

Presidential spokesman and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, will attend the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, scheduled from May 16 to 31, 2025.

Dare was the minister when Ogun was awarded the hosting rights for the event, often referred to as Nigeria’s Olympics.

Themed “Gateway Games 2024,” the festival will feature over 15,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from across the 36 states and the FCT, competing in about 32 sports. It aims to promote sporting excellence, national unity, and youth development.

The opening ceremony will be held at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, with dignitaries including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande, and officials from the Nigeria Olympic Committee in attendance.

Also expected are Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC and head of the Main Organizing Committee. They will oversee the festival’s coordination.

This edition of the Gateway Games is expected to be one of the most memorable, reinforcing Ogun State’s role in advancing sports development and youth empowerment in Nigeria.