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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – It is no longer a news that the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, took place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, but the Vice President Kashim Shettima described the event as a masterpiece.
The event was a vibrant celebration of unity, excellence, and national pride, drawing a prestigious audience that included Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, state governors, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and other dignitaries
Speaking shortly after the ceremony, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the event as a masterpiece and one-of-a-kind outing he had never witnessed elsewhere.
He made this statement at the Gateway International Airport, while departing Abeokuta for Abuja, having represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the official opening held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
Shettima highlighted the transformative power of sports, calling it a unifier that transcends ethnic, religious, and linguistic barriers. According to him, sports have the potential to steer the nation away from divisiveness and toward greater unity and togetherness.
The Vice President also lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for passionately projecting Ogun State on the national stage through the sports festival.
He noted that the federal government deeply appreciated the state’s efforts in hosting nearly 20,000 participants from across Nigeria, showcasing not only sportsmanship but also hospitality and organization on a national scale.
“It was a very beautiful opening ceremony, and words cannot adequately convey our appreciation and our debt of gratitude to the Governor for all the resources and energy he used to showcase Ogun and the nation to the world.
“And yesterday’s opening ceremony was a spectacular event; I have never witnessed anything like that – very beautiful – and I want to thank the sports commission and the living legend, Prof. Wole Soyinka, for actively participating in the activities.
“He is 91, and he is still mentally lucid, physically active, walking without a walking stick. It is a celebration of excellence, and we want to once again thank Your Excellency for showcasing Ogun as a Gateway to knowledge, a Gateway to tolerance, and unity in this country.
“The President is mighty proud of him; we are all very, very proud of him and thankful for his efforts,” he said.
While welcoming guests at the vibrant event, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the festival is designed to foster national cohesion, celebrate youth potential and position Ogun as a hub of sporting excellence.
“The we are honoured to be joined by an exceptional lineup of dignitaries and national leaders who have come to celebrate this defining moment for sports and youth development in Ogun State”, the governor remarked.
Governor Abiodun emphasized that the presence of such high-ranking officials underscored the event’s national importance. Notably, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, was in attendance on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to officially declare the Games open.
Other prominent figures at the event included Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Governor Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Deputy Governors Monday Onyeme (Delta) and Senator Akon Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom).
The celebration also drew the presence of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, signifying the Federal Government’s alignment with youth empowerment and economic growth through sports.
Adding a historic touch to the occasion were two revered sons of Ogun State – former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ogun Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba – whose contributions to national development remain deeply impactful.
Also present were members of the National Assembly from Ogun State, royal fathers, top government officials, and celebrated sports personalities.
Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, rewarding hard work, and ensuring Ogun State remains a shining example of sporting excellence and opportunity.
