Gov Abiodun: Gateway Games to Set New Standard for National Sports Festival

*Names Odegbami as Chief Sports Envoy for Ogun State

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has assured that the National Sports Festival set to take place in the state from May 16 to May 31, 2025, aims to establish itself as an unprecedented standard in the annals of this sporting event.

Yesterday, during an interaction with sports reporters at the Governor’s Office Press Centre in Abeokuta, Prince Abiodun asserted that Ogon State was fully prepared to welcome all 36 states along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for an unforgettable games experience unlike anything seen previously.

He highlighted that Ogun deliberately chose to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, which is now called the Gateway Games, to demonstrate the significant progress made within the state since its initial hosting in 2006.

“When bidding to host the event, we approached it with great care. Since Ogun initially hosted in 2006, we’ve significantly enhanced our infrastructure, particularly in terms of security and various other sectors. As we focus on improving our tourism, cultural, and sporting facilities, we feel confident that we possess everything needed to organize an unparalleled games experience,” emphasized the governor of Ogun State.

Prince Abiodun stated that intentionally having all 10,000 athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory within a single Games Village aimed at fostering unity among young people across the nation.

We recognize that sports bring people together regardless of their differing backgrounds. That’s why we plan to accommodate and feed all the athletes participating in the Games in Ogun State at one location. We will have a Games Village, which will be similar to an Olympic-standard setup.

The Governor suggested that we’ve implemented top-notch security and transportation measures to guarantee seamless travel to and from the Games Village as well as all event venues.

He praised the members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for putting in extra hours around the clock to make sure that the venues designated for the Gateway Games meet world-class standards.

The LOC and the government have been working around the clock to finalize our preparations. I can confidently state that we are prepared.

In the meantime, Governor Abiodun introduced Nigeria’s ex-soccer team leader and an iconic figure in African sports, Chief Segun Odegbami, as the Grand Sports Ambassador for Ogun State.

Additionally, athletes Tobi Amusan and former boxing heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua have been named as ambassadors.

Prince Abiodun awarded Chief Odegbami with an appointment certificate, and his responsibilities will extend beyond the scope of the National Sports Festival.

Allow me to seize this moment to conduct the ceremony unveiling Chief Segun Odegbami as our esteemed sports ambassador.

The National Sports Festival will pass, but we’re already considering how to capitalize on the benefits that will result from hosting the NSF.

That’s when Odegbami will step in to assist us in optimizing the sporting economy.

“The blueprint for the Amsterdam Arena has been provided by him, and we plan to recreate this design at the MKO Abiola Stadium,” states the Ogun Governor.

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