President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday officially declared open the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival holding in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, tagged “Gateway Games 2024.”

Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, charged the participating athletes to compete favourably with integrity in the spirit of true sportsmanship.

The president, in his inaugural address at the event tagged “Gateway 2024,” expressed optimism that the Torch of Unity lit at the commencement of the games would serve purposes beyond unity, noting that sports have, for several decades, placed Nigeria on the global map, enabling the country to walk taller among the comity of nations.

He commended the organisers of the festival, particularly the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and his deputy for their renewed hope initiative for Nigeria’s sports economic framework.

He also commended the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the hospitality which the participating Nigerian youths have enjoyed since their arrival in the state for the festival, stressing that Ogun State has further consolidated itself as not only the Gateway to Knowledge, but one that encompasses all that the nation desires.

Earlier in his welcome address, the state governor disclosed that the state was hosting the festival as a way of demonstrating his administration’s commitment to national development.

He stated that Ogun State is currently hosting over 10,000 athletes and coaches, and allayed fears of insecurity, emphasising that his administration, in conjunction with the NSC, has put in place very effective security arrangements that guarantee the safety of every participant.

He charged all participating athletes to compete with integrity and honour in the spirit of true sportsmanship.