All Eyes on Ogun as Gateway Games 2024 Begins with History, Heritage, and High Hopes
Ogun State has once again stepped into the national spotlight as it hosts the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, from May 16–30. With over 10,000 athletes from across Nigeria converging in Abeokuta, Remo, Sagamu, and Ikenne, the event promises two weeks of electrifying competition, cultural celebration, and national unity.
Veteran journalist Segun Adenuga traced the festival’s roots to the vision of nation-building after the Civil War, crediting Ogun sons like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and General Henry Adefowope as key architects of the inaugural 1973 edition. He emphasized the festival’s legacy as a breeding ground for Nigeria’s top athletes, calling for a return to its original focus on talent discovery.
Governor Dapo Abiodun has assured that the Gateway Games 2024 will set a new benchmark, with state-of-the-art facilities and immersive cultural experiences. A first-of-its-kind inclusion of the “38th State”—the Invited Junior Athletes team—will feature budding talents in 11 sports, reinforcing the festival’s role in shaping Nigeria’s sporting future. The colourful opening ceremony at the renovated MKO Abiola Sports Complex is expected to dazzle spectators and mark the beginning of a transformative sports experience.
