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BY TAYO MABEWEJE
As the sun rises on Ogun State’s preparations for the Gateway Games 2025, it becomes increasingly clear that the coming festival is more than just a competition – it is a renaissance in motion, a grand convergence of vision, passion, and purpose. Under the steady stewardship of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ogun is scripting a transformative chapter that places sports at the very heart of national rebirth.
In a symbolic move that bridges the golden past with a luminous future, the state appointed Nigerian football icon, Chief Segun Odegbami – popularly known as “Mathematical Odegbami” – as its Grand Sports Ambassador. His appointment is not just honorary; it is a rallying cry for excellence, a nod to Ogun’s enduring legacy, and a call to inspire generations to come.
At a media parley with the Guild of Sports Editors held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun laid bare the soul of the state’s preparations. “This goes beyond just the National Sports Festival,” he asserted. “This is the birth of a sports economy – one that will bind Nigerians together, foster growth, and ignite global interest.”
Ogun’s preparations reveal not merely a logistical feat but a deliberate masterstroke in strategic planning. With upgraded facilities like the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium and the Alake Sports Centre, the state is setting the stage for world-class performance. Infrastructure expansion, including roads, transport, and security architecture, ensures not just smooth operations but a world-standard experience for athletes and visitors alike.
For the first time in the history of the National Sports Festival, all athletes will be housed in a special Games Village – a melting pot of talent and culture designed to foster unity and mutual respect. It is an innovation that positions Ogun not just as a host, but as a pioneer in redefining how sports festivals are experienced and remembered.
This attention to detail and innovation has not gone unnoticed. The African Athletics Confederation has approached the state to consider hosting the Under-18 and Under-20 African Championships – originally slated for Algeria. This recognition affirms Ogun’s growing status as Africa’s emerging hub for sports excellence.
Governor Abiodun’s blueprint reaches far beyond the final whistle. “We want to discover and support the next Tobi Amusan,” he declared, echoing Ogun’s pride in producing world-beating talent. The festival is envisioned as fertile ground for identifying future champions while also nurturing entrepreneurship, media innovation, and tourism.
The governor emphasized that the Gateway Games 2024 would serve as an economic engine – creating jobs, attracting private investment, and raising Ogun’s GDP. The private sector is already stepping in, partnering with the state to build an enduring sports value chain.
The state, in collaboration with federal security agencies, has prioritized safety and comfort for all stakeholders. With airtight security plans and real-time monitoring, athletes, officials, and fans alike can engage in the games with confidence.
Mr. Tony Ubani, President of the Guild of Sports Editors, praised the transformation he witnessed. “Ogun is not just ready; Ogun is leading,” he said, commending the refurbishment of the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium – now transformed into a sports complex – and the governor’s expansive vision.
As Ogun marches boldly toward the 16th of May, it is not merely preparing for an event- it is curating an experience that will echo across generations. With Chief Segun Odegbami carrying the symbolic flame and Governor Abiodun leading the charge, the Gateway Games 2024 is set to become a turning point in how sports can unite, develop, and elevate a nation.
The world is watching. The Gateway is open.
*Tayo Mabeweje, Media Consultant to the Executive Governor of Ogun State writes in from Abeokuta.
