The Federal Government has set January 2025 as the official date for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games, Ogun 2024”.
In a communique released after the first National Council on Sports meeting at the Old Government Lodge, Abakaliki Road, Enugu State, the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, praised Ogun State Government for its dedication to hosting the festival successfully.
Sen. Enoh emphasized the festival’s crucial role in fostering national unity and driving socio-economic growth, urging federal and state governments to host more national and international sports events to boost sports development in Nigeria.
The Sports Minister also highlighted the Council of Sports’ support for establishing the Sports Development and Investment Fund (NSIDF) to further sports development benefits in the country.
Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, expressed the state’s readiness to host the festival.
He underscored the festival’s potential to unite people, promote teamwork, and encourage youth engagement in sports for socio-economic advancement.
Hon. Isiaka emphasized the importance of targeted funding and incentives for grassroots sports initiatives and sustainable sports programs.
“Through the power of sports, we have the opportunity to come together, forge connections, and celebrate our shared humanity.
We are leveraging the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda of the Governor to enhance sports development at the grassroots,” he stated.
