The Federal Government has approved January 2025 as the official date for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival.
The games to be hosted by Ogun State is tagged “Gateway Games, Ogun 2024.
Sen. John Owan Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, praised the Ogun State government for its dedication to the festival’s successful hosting in a communiqué at the conclusion of the first National Council on Sports in Enugu, Enugu State.
He noted that the National Sports Festival plays a vital role in national unity, as it would also increase socio-economic growth for the sustainable development of the state and the country in general.
The minister also urged the federal and state governments to bid for and host national and international sports competitions to help the country’s sports grow quickly.
He urged all key stakeholders to play active roles in the successful hosting of the Gateway Games, saying the Council of Sports supports the establishment of the Sports Development and Investment Fund (NSIDF) and its attendant benefits for driving sports development in Nigeria.
While fielding questions from journalists shortly after the meeting, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, said the state government is ready to host the National Sports Festival.
He stated that the NSF has the ability to bring people together, foster teamwork and cooperation, instill human values of discipline and perseverance, and encourage the vast youth population in the state to embrace the power of sports in community development.
He added that targeted funding and incentives are critical for driving grassroots sports engagement and ensuring the longevity of state 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 develop sports at the grassroots,” Isiaka said.
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