It's a Gathering of Gladiators as 22nd NSF Opens with Lavish Ceremony in Abeokuta

Posted : 19 May 2025

It was a gathering of Nigeria’s crème de la crème as the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games, was officially flagged off at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta.

Leading the array of dignitaries were the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka; and music icon David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, among others who graced the opening ceremony.

Also in attendance were the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo; as well as the governors of Imo, Osun, and Kogi States—Sen. Hope Uzodimma, Ademola Adeleke, and Usman Ododo, respectively.

The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Monisade Afuye; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole; and former Ogun State governors Olusegun Osoba and Sen. Gbenga Daniel (currently representing Ogun East Senatorial District), were also present. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, attended as well.

Several members of the National Assembly—both at the state and federal levels—also participated in the well-attended ceremony.

As the 22nd National Sports Festival began with a colourful and spectacular Opening Ceremony, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, met with state delegates, assuring them of a groundbreaking event that would set new standards in the festival’s history.

The entire sporting community within and beyond Nigeria was thrilled by a spectacle rich in cultural displays and world-class performances from the likes of Davido and Asa, setting a high tone for what promises to be a festival of global standards.

In his address, Hon. Olopade emphasized core values such as love, focus, discipline, and unity as the foundation of the National Sports Festival.

He noted that the festival would be more than a celebration of sport—it would also serve as a testament to integrity. “Let medals be won with honor, not by crook,” he admonished, stressing the importance of fair play and true sportsmanship.

The DG applauded the unwavering support and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose personal interest in Nigerian sports has spurred the current transformation of the sector.

"We are where we are today—revamping, reshaping, and resetting our sports ecosystem—because of the vision of Mr. President, the father of the nation. He is the reason why the National Sports Festival now boasts a world-class outlook, and we will continue to thank him," Olopade said.

He also commended the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, for his exceptional dedication to the success of the festival. “Mallam Dikko has shown immense commitment and love for this project. That spirit must cascade down to every athlete and official,” he added.

Olapade expressed deep gratitude to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his tremendous support in mobilizing resources and empowering all stakeholders. He described the games as “a festival of modern times,” poised to place Ogun State on both the national and international sports map.

Welcoming all participants to the state, Hon. Olopade concluded with emotion: “Welcome to my story — a game I bid for, a journey that has my name written all over it.”

With anticipation building, Ogun 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark edition of the National Sports Festival — one that celebrates not only athletic excellence but also unity, passion, and the enduring Nigerian spirit.

The 22nd NSF will take place in Abeokuta from May 16 to May 30, with athletes competing in 23 sporting events.

Recall that Delta State won the 21st edition of the NSF in Asaba, securing 320 gold, 200 silver, and 128 bronze medals. Team Bayelsa finished second, followed by Team Edo in third place.

It's a Gathering of Gladiators as 22nd NSF Opens with Lavish Ceremony in Abeokuta

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