The highly anticipated National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games, Ogun 2024,” has been postponed yet again. Initially slated to take place from January 12 to 28, 2025, the festival will now be held between May 16 and 30, 2025.
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, announced the revised dates on Thursday night during the conclusion of the 1st Joint Technical Meeting. The meeting, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State’s capital, brought together key stakeholders, including 37 directors of sports, technical directors, sports federation secretaries, and members of the Main and Local Organizing Committees (MOC and LOC).
Olopade explained that the rescheduling was strategically necessary to allow the newly established NSC to stabilize and create a sustainable sports ecosystem, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to foster economic sustainability within Nigeria’s sports sector.
He emphasized that although the LOC and Ogun State government were fully prepared to host the festival in January, advice from technical experts prompted the MOC to push the date further for better alignment and preparation.
“In the wisdom of the technical people and the MOC, we felt it was essential to integrate various elements to deliver a festival that aligns with the new vision of sports organization and economic sustainability,” Olopade said.
He also disclosed that outstanding junior athletes from the recently concluded National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, will be invited to join the 38 states competing at the festival.
Ogun State’s Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, welcomed the decision, describing it as an opportunity to enhance preparations and deliver a benchmark sports festival.
“The shift allows the state to expand the ecosystem and organize a festival that will set new standards,” Isiaka said.
The meeting’s communique, co-signed by Olopade and Isiaka, outlined several key resolutions. The Ogun State government was urged to use the venue inspection reports as a checklist for readiness. Delegates were advised to appoint Chief Medical Officers to ensure seamless health coordination during the games. Zonal eliminations for team sports will commence from February 23 to 28, 2025.
Olopade expressed optimism about the new timeline, stating that it provides the NSC with five additional months to fine-tune preparations. He assured Nigerians that the festival would exemplify excellence and capacity.
“This strategic postponement allows us to settle the new commission and deliver a sustainable sports economy while presenting a world-class event to Nigerians,” Olopade added.
As preparations continue, all eyes remain on Ogun State, poised to host a festival that promises to redefine sports in Nigeria.
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