It was pure spectacle, glitz and glamour as the the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2025,” was officially declared open on Sunday, May 18, at the MKO Abiola International Sports Arena in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The colourful opening ceremony which was laced with culture, music and entertainment, marked the beginning of Nigeria’s version of the Olympic games which began since 1973 and has produced many renowned celebrated icons such Chief Segun Odegbami an ambassador of the Gateway games amongst others.
The Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented the President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu formally opened the event which suffered several postponements, as he was joined by a host of other dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dapo Abiodun the host governor, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, ex-governors Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, and former House Speaker Dimeji Bankole.
The sports arena echoed with live performances from music stars, Davido and Asa, as they rendered evergreen tracks from their albums to the delights of the invited guests, contingents and fans.
There were other impressive displays by cultural troupes which added traditional perspectives to make the occasion a unique blend and melting pot for sports, culture, music and entertainment.
The 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria will be competing in 33 sports, with well over 10,000 registered athletes in attendance including Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) team, from the last Youth Sports Festival.
Speaking at the grand occasion, Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed confidence in Ogun State’s preparedness while also drawing attention to major infrastructural developments.
He lauded the role of the festival in promoting national unity, sportsmanship, and youth development.
Delta State are the defending champions but they will face strong opposition from Bayelsa, Lagos and Edo States for this year’s title.
Enugu State will host the next edition of the games next year as National Sports Commission has called for entries from states that wish to host subsequent editions.
Other top distinguished dignitaries at the event are Governors Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and the Deputy Governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom States—Monday Onyeme and Senator Akon Eyakenyi respectively.
Also in attendance were Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; and former Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, two sons of Ogun State, Lawmakers, traditional rulers, sports legends, and other stakeholders added colour and prestige to the grand opening of the games.
