National Sports Festival: Tinubu declares event open as ASA and Davido thrill crowd
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games 2024, was officially declared open on Sunday, 18 May, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu described the National Sports Festival as a vital instrument for national unity, cohesion, and a source of renewed hope for Nigerians. He emphasised that his administration recognises sport as a unifying force and a critical rallying point for patriotism.
“For decades, sport has placed Nigeria on the global map. It remains one of the most powerful forces for national cohesion,” he said. “We want sport to thrive—autonomous, innovative and focused—because we recognise its vital role in building a healthier, stronger, and more united Nigeria. Indeed, nothing has brought the nation together like sport, whether on the pitch, the court, or the track. It reminds us that we are not strangers, but compatriots drawn from different roots, drinking from the same well of national pride.”
The colourful ceremony featured energetic performances from award-winning Nigerian artistes ASA and Davido, who thrilled the crowd with electrifying musical sets that added glamour and excitement to the evening.
Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his welcome remarks, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to national development through sport. “The 22nd National Sports Festival is more than a sporting event; it is a celebration of unity and resilience—a platform to build a stronger Nigeria,” he stated. “Our bid to host this event is rooted in our unshakable belief in the transformative power of sport as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and youth empowerment.”
The Chairman of the newly reinstated National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Bukola Olopade, also delivered remarks highlighting new developments in the festival’s structure. Notably, the inclusion of Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) marks a significant milestone.
“For the first time in the history of the festival, we have introduced the Invited Junior Athletes initiative, with over 200 young athletes participating,” Dikko announced. “This aligns with President Tinubu’s reforms, which have transformed the Ministry of Sports into a standalone National Sports Commission. It lays a foundation for sustainable growth and long-overdue professionalism in our sporting industry.”
The National Sports Festival, often referred to as Nigeria’s “Mini-Olympics,” brings together athletes from all 36 states and the FCT, promoting unity, talent discovery, and national pride through sport.
