By Ebenezer Mabinuola
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, concluded on May 29, 2025, after nearly two weeks of elite competition, vibrant cultural display, and notable economic activity in Ogun State.
Spanning venues in Abeokuta and across the state, the festival brought together more than 10,000 athletes from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and – for the first time – a special team of Invited Junior Athletes (IJA), underscoring a new national emphasis on youth development in sports.
The festival, which officially ran from May 16 to May 29, showcased competitions across over 32 disciplines, including athletics, football, para sports, basketball, traditional games, and more. Key venues such as the renovated MKO Abiola Stadium, Alake Sports Centre, Obafemi Awolowo Square, and Babcock University’s Games Village were buzzing with activity as Ogun State played host with a blend of efficiency, hospitality, and flair.
Widely praised for its organization, atmosphere, and infrastructure, the Gateway Games 2024 has already been described by many athletes, officials, and guests as the best edition of the sports festival to date.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who served as chief host, described the event as more than a sporting contest. “This is more than a sports festival; it is a reaffirmation of our unity, diversity, and the enduring Nigerian spirit,” he said at the opening ceremony. The governor, who maintained a strong personal presence throughout the festival, was widely credited with boosting morale and setting the tone for the event’s success.
The opening ceremony on May 18, declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima, featured parades, music, and a vibrant cultural showcase. Dignitaries in attendance included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, several governors, and leading figures in Nigeria’s sporting community.
Throughout the festival, Ogun’s investment in sports infrastructure came into sharp focus. The refurbished MKO Abiola Stadium and newly constructed training facilities stood out as symbols of the state’s commitment to long-term sports development. The impact was evident not just in logistics but also in performance – Ogun State recorded its best medal tally since 2006, finishing third overall with 69 gold, 52 silver, and 62 bronze medals.
Delta State, however, retained its dominance, finishing as overall champions for the fifth consecutive time with 109 gold, 75 silver, and 87 bronze medals. Bayelsa State came second, securing 80 gold, 54 silver, and 59 bronze. Delta’s Sports Commission Chairman, Onoriode Oborevwori, attributed the success to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s youth-focused policies, calling the performance a symbol of hope and sustained investment in sports.
Despite the festival’s overall success, it was not without tension. On May 28, a group of Ogun athletes staged a protest over unpaid allowances by blocking the entrance to the Games Village at Babcock University. The disruption briefly delayed events in handball and cycling. The government responded by disbursing outstanding funds, and the athletes returned to competition by midday. Governor Abiodun later assured that no Ogun athlete would be neglected, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to their welfare.
In terms of economic impact, the festival brought a surge in local business activity. Traders, artisans, and vendors across the hospitality and textile sectors – particularly sellers of Ogun’s iconic Adire fabric – reported record sales. The influx of thousands of visitors provided a boost to hotels, restaurants, and transportation services across the state.
The closing ceremony, held on May 29, was a celebration of athletic achievement and cultural pride. It featured tributes to record-breaking athletes, commendations for the Invited Junior Athletes team, and the formal handover of the hosting flag to Enugu State, which will stage the 2026 edition of the festival.
Former President Obasanjo, who also attended the closing event, reaffirmed the festival’s value in promoting national unity. Vice President Shettima praised Ogun’s hosting, describing the festival as a model for future editions. Sports stakeholders from other states – including Enugu and Osun – lauded the organization and hospitality, with Enugu State officials promising to build on Ogun’s example.
Governor Abiodun announced substantial cash rewards for Ogun medalists: ₦2.5 million for gold, ₦1.5 million for silver, and ₦1 million for bronze. Every accredited athlete received a ₦50,000 participation fee and a 14-day allowance totaling ₦210,000 – although the payment timeline led to the earlier protest.
As the dust settles on Gateway Games 2024, Ogun State stands tall – not just for delivering a smooth, inclusive, and impactful event, but for setting a new benchmark in sports festival hosting. The African Athletics Confederation has reportedly approached the state with interest in hosting future continental events, a testament to the festival’s success.
With upgraded infrastructure, a revitalized sporting culture, and a legacy of excellence, Ogun’s hosting of the 2024 National Sports Festival will be remembered as a defining chapter in Nigeria’s sporting narrative. Enugu now carries the torch – but the bar has been set high.
