Gateway Games: FG pledges more sports support

Hostilities in various events of the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, have commenced at designated centres, following Sunday’s colourful opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony, held at the main bowl of the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was attended by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who was represented by Vice President Mallam Kashim Shettima, GCON.

While declaring the Games open, President Tinubu pledged his administration’s continued support for sports and youth development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Sports bring people together, irrespective of class, ethnicity, and religion. The reorganisation of sports under this administration is in recognition of its importance, and we shall continue to explore more opportunities for national growth and unity,” he said.

The Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the opening ceremony as amazing and said the festival is a celebration of diversity and unity through the power of sports. He commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership, which he said has laid a solid foundation for sports as a key factor in nation-building.

“We are redirecting sports as a national asset for job creation—both direct and indirect—through the Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch initiative for economic relevance. We recognise sports as a veritable tool for national cohesion,” Dikko stated.

Notable personalities at the opening ceremony included former President General Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Wole Soyinka, state governors, former Minister of Sports and current presidential aide Sunday Dare, National Assembly members, ministers, and state assembly members.

The colourful event was rounded off with fireworks, following a spectacular performance by Davido.