Tinubu praises Ogun for hosting world-class National Sports Festival
President Bola Tinubu has praised Ogun State for successfully hosting the 22nd National Sports Festival, which concluded in Abeokuta on Thursday. Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the closing ceremony held at MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Tinubu applauded the event’s world-class standards and the spirit of the competing athletes.
Joining the president were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and other government officials from both inside and outside Ogun State. The festival featured 12 days of nonstop sports competitions held across Abeokuta and other venues.
Tinubu said, “As an athlete, if you have competed at this event, know that you have been discovered. Your presence reaffirms the unity and collaborative federalism that underpins our national strength. Your zeal has contributed to the success of this world-class event hosted by Ogun State. I hereby, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the people of this state, declare the 22nd National Sports Festival officially closed.”
Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for trusting Ogun State with the hosting duties. He added, “It has taken an entire state united in purpose to deliver an experience that our nation will not forget in a hurry. To our athletes, you are all champions. You have inspired and embodied the true essence of sports where excellence meets honour and discipline meets grace.”
About 10,000 athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and invited junior athletes participated in the Gateway Games 2024. Delta State emerged as the overall winner for the fifth consecutive time and the ninth time in total. Enugu State will host the next edition in 2026.
