By Yetunde Fatungase and Abiodun Lawal
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday declared the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged ‘Gateway Games’ 2024 opened Abeokuta Ogun State while harping on power of sports as a vehicle for for national integration and cohesion.
Tinubu who was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said that for decades, sports had placed Nigeria on the global map for positive reasons.
He said that nothing had brought Nigerians together like sport whether on the pitch, or on the tracks.
” We are reminded daily that we’re not strangers to one another, we are compatriots drawn from different roots but drinking from the same well of national pride.
” We recognised the critical role sports played in building the nation. Sports is about togetherness , sports is the music of our shared ambition.
” That is why here in Nigeria sports is a rallying point for patriotism and a workshop for shaping not just the body but the mind and spirit of our people,” he said.
Tinubu said that the reorganisation and administration of sports under the present administration into a stand alone National Sports Commission, reflected the seriousness with which the sector was being guided by the present dispensation .
“For decades, sports had put Nigeria on global map, from medal winning Olympians to renowned footballers , we have nurtured champions,” he said.
Tinubu commended the Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Sheu Dikko and his team for there renewed initiatives for the sports sector.
He commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun for raising the bar of the sports festival.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman, NSC commended the Ogun government for accepting to host the festival, which according to him, demonstrated its commitment towards sports development.
He noted that sports has always been a veritable tool to celebrate the nation’s diversity and unity.
“It is not just a sporting event; it is a celebration of our diversity, our unity and our shared aspiration to build a stronger Nigeria through the power of sport,” he said.
He lauded Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for the sports sector.
Dikko said Tinubu’s bold decision to implement the reorganisation of the Federal ministry of sports into a commission, has laid a foundation for the sustainable growth of the sporting industry.
“This decision has also strengthened sports to be one of the key drivers of our economy.
“Indeed, this clearly underlines the futuristic vision of Mr President and a clear propensity to take bold decisions, so long he believes they are right and for the collective good of all.
“Indeed, history will be kind to him for this decision, not just in the sports sector but across other political and social sectors of the country.
“For the first time in the history of the sports festival and in line with the Tinubu’s government, we introduced the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) and we have over 200 of them participating in this festival,” he said.
Dikko commended the Ogun government for accepting to host the festival which demonstrated its commitment towards sports development.
He revealed that eight states have indicated interest to host the next edition.
“This is the only platform for our athletes to display their talents and launch themselves into the global space,” he added.
In his remarks, Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade expressed confidence that the 2024 sports festival “will be the best festival you’ll observe in the country”.
He added that the festival would produce many champions with hidden talents, which he promised, would be nurtured to perfection.
Olopade, who is also the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee of sporst festival, expressed strong optimism that the compettion would be a breeding ground for future world champions.
He emphasised that the quality of performances at the festival reflects Nigeria’s immense potential in global sports.
“With the standard of competition and the enthusiasm we’ve witnessed so far, I am confident that this festival will produce many athletes who will go on to become world champions,” he said.
Other dignitaries present at the opening ceremony of the festival include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Prof. Wole Soyinka , Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, Imo, Osun and Kogi counterparts, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, Ademola Adeleke and Usman Ododo.
Also in attedance were deputy governor of Ekiti State, Monisade Afuye, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole, former Ogun State governors, Olusegun Osoba and Sen. Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun were also in attendance.
Also present at the well graced opening ceremony were several members of the National Assembly, both at the state and national levels.
The 22nd NSF is taking place in Abeokuta, between May 16 and May 30 with athletes to compete in 23 sports events.
Delta won the 21st edition of the NSF in Asaba with 320 gold medals, 200 silver medals and 128 bronze medals.
Team Bayelsa came second followed by Team Edo in third place.
(NAN)
