Ogun State Poised for Sporting Excellence at Gateway Games 2024
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially announced Enugu State as the host of the 23rd National Sports Festival, following a rigorous bidding process.
Enugu, popularly known as the Coal City State, emerged victorious and is set to deliver a world-class festival when the event comes to the South-East for the first time in the competition’s history, which dates back to 1973.
The biennial National Sports Festival is Nigeria’s premier multi-sport competition, bringing together thousands of athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The festival celebrates unity, sportsmanship, and the development of sporting talent across the nation.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on Ogun State, which will host the 22nd edition of the festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, in January 2025. Honourable Bukola Olopade, NSC Director General and former chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, confirmed that over 15,000 athletes are expected to converge in the Gateway State for the event.
Olopade emphasized the NSC’s commitment to ensuring Ogun delivers a spectacular festival. “We are working closely with the state to provide all necessary support for a premium and memorable tournament,” he said.
Enugu’s early selection as the host for the 23rd edition allows the state ample preparation time to uphold the festival’s legacy of excellence, inclusivity, and talent discovery. This proactive announcement marks the first time the subsequent host is confirmed before the conclusion of the ongoing games, a move seen as a boost to the festival’s image and planning efficiency.
The last edition of the festival was held in Asaba, Delta State, where over 11,000 athletes showcased their skills. With Ogun State preparing to host in January 2025 and Enugu State waiting in the wings for 2026, the National Sports Festival continues to cement its reputation as a beacon of national unity and a platform for unearthing future stars for international glory.
Preparations for the Gateway Games are in full swing, promising an unforgettable spectacle that will set a high standard for subsequent editions.
