Vice President, Kashim Ibrahim, has urged Nigerians to build on the things that unite the people to make the country as great as it was designed to be.
Shettima, who officially declared the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games 2024, open at the MKO Abiola International Sports Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, said that the country’s sportsmen and women have shown that Nigeria can be truly great if the people worked in unity.
The opening ceremony began two weeks of intense competition and cultural celebration in centres across Ogun State.
The opening ceremony was a colorful display of Nigeria’s rich heritage, featuring electrifying performances by superstar, Davido and award-winning singer, Asa. Asa’s soulful renditions of the national anthem and Ogun State song set a deeply patriotic tone for the commencement of the Games.
Speaking at the event, Shettima underscored the unifying power of sports and its critical role in youth development, describing the festival as a “triumph of unity and youth.”
He praised Ogun State for its excellent preparation and hospitality, affirming its role in advancing national cohesion.
Shettima said: “We can be one with the world around us. Sport is a true condition of happiness. It brings joy and builds community.”
More than 10,000 athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, and the newly introduced Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) team, are participating in 33 sporting events, making this edition one of the most inclusive in the festival’s history.
In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed pride in Ogun State’s hosting of the event for the second time since 2006. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing a memorable and secure experience for all athletes, officials, and visitors.
Abiodun said: “Our national development depends on peaceful coexistence, and sports remain one of the most powerful platforms for fostering unity.”
He further assured participants of the state’s readiness, revealing that a robust security framework had been put in place in collaboration with national security agencies.
He added: “As we mark this turning point in Nigeria’s sporting history, I assure you the next ten days will showcase unimaginable talent, remarkable performances, record-breaking feats, and the true spirit of sportsmanship.”
The Chairman of the Main Organising Committee and Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, expressed optimism that the festival will serve as a platform for discovering future global champions.
He said: “The quality of performances at this festival reflects Nigeria’s immense potential in global sports.”
He also lauded NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, for his steadfast commitment to the festival’s success.
Also speaking, Dikko emphasised the festival’s alignment with the NSC’s strategic objectives and development agenda, saying: “This new agenda offers a fresh perspective on the future of sports in our region and reinforces our belief that sports can shape the future.”
