The 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed the Gateway Games 2024, has commenced in Ogun State with what observers are calling the most spectacular opening ceremony in the event's 52-year history.
The grand opening, held at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, featured an extraordinary display of Nigerian culture, music, and athleticism that captivated over 10,000 spectators for more than four hours.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, officially declared the festival open at the ceremony that showcased drummers, dancers, choreographers, and athletes in a performance described as unparalleled in African sporting events.
The event began with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem and Ogun State anthem by Afro-soul singer Asa, setting the tone for the night's festivities. Team Ogun (hosts), defending champions Team Delta, Team Lagos, Team Bayelsa, the Federal Capital Territory, and other contingents displayed exceptional class during their parade.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who had promised an unforgettable opening ceremony, delivered beyond expectations with a masterful blend of stagecraft, artistry, traditional drumming, and contemporary performances.
"Ogun state is no stranger to visitors or participants in this festival," Governor Abiodun said during his address. "Over the past six years, our administration has pursued holistic development under the theme Building Our Future Together. We have invested in modern sports infrastructure and provided the necessary support to ensure a memorable experience for all athletes, officials and guests."
The ceremony was graced by numerous dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, several state governors, members of the National Assembly, and other prominent figures.
A highlight of the evening was Prof. Soyinka's poetic narration about Ogun State's cultural heritage, describing it as "where the gods of craftsmanship and language walk side by side" and "the rock of protection."
The cultural showcase featured traditional drummers, dancers in native attire, and performances that highlighted Ogun's rich heritage, including adire fabric and talking drums. Musical performances by Nigerian stars including 9ice, Asake, Fuji maestro Adewale Ayuba, K1 de Ultimate, and Afrobeats superstar Davido electrified the stadium.
The festival, which is Nigeria's version of the Olympics, will feature competitions for 626 gold, 626 silver, and 898 bronze medals across various sporting events. Competitions are being held in Abeokuta, Ikenne, Sagamu, and Ijebu-Ode.
According to Hon. Bukola Olopade, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee and Director General of the National Sports Commission, the festival is already having a positive economic impact on the host state.
"Sports business is my forte, and I can assure you that the local economy is feeling the impact of the sports festival as we speak. I gathered reliably that Adire, our cultural export, is no longer in stock in Abeokuta," Olopade stated.
The Gateway Games 2024, co-sponsored by Premium Trust Bank and Betnaija, continues with various sporting competitions as athletes from across Nigeria compete for national glory in what is shaping up to be a memorable edition of the National Sports Festival.
