As the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival officially commences in Ogun State, athletes from across the federation have converged for what is regarded as Nigeria’s Olympics “Gateway Games 2024.” The multi-sports event, holding from May 16 to May 30, 2025, celebrates Nigeria’s unity and diversity through sports.
Originally launched in 1973 after the Civil War to promote peace and national integration. The festival remains a symbol of Nigeria’s cultural and athletic heritage. Remarkably, Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and the Executive Chairman of Kwara Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, were both former participants, having once represented Kwara in football.
Now leading from the front, Coach Mogaji is at the helm of Team Kwara, steering 189 athletes competing in 25 sports including football, squash, swimming, chess, volleyball, cycling, and the likes.
The opening ceremony, held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, was a grand spectacle, featuring cultural displays and musical performances by superstars David Adeleke popularly known as Davido and Bukola Elemide also referred as Asa, to the delight of the athletes and spectators.
The ceremony drew an array of dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Wole Soyinka, state Governors, Minister’s, and Lawmakers.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, declared the festival open, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to youth and sports development under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized the power of sports to unite Nigerians beyond ethnic or religious lines.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, the host, described the event as a historic milestone and praised President Tinubu for his unwavering support. The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; and Director-General Bukola Olopade also echoed sentiments about repositioning sports as a national asset for unity, job creation, and youth empowerment.
Team Kwara’s Arrival and Preparation
Team Kwara arrived at their base in Ilisan-Remo, lodged at Babcock University, on Friday, May 16, 2025. The delegation was welcomed by the Executive Chairman of the state Sports Commission, Director of Sports, Mallam Ibrahim Bako; and Former Vice Chairman, and Kwara United and present Chairman, Ilorin Emirate Football Council, Alhaji Owolabi Wopa.
Coach Mogaji lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for providing necessary funding to ensure proper welfare, including decent accommodation, feeding, allowances, and training logistics.
He noted that the athletes are focused, prepared, and hungry for medals and confident Kwara would surpass previous records.
He also advised coaches to remain calm, arrive early at venues, and manage the team with discipline and professionalism. The Executive Chairman maintained that Governor AbdulRazaq and the people of Kwara are watching, supporting, and cheering them.
A Cultural Statement and a Bold Challenge
Dressed in resplendent cultural attire, Team Kwara made a statement of readiness and pride at the opening ceremony. Their presence and composure sent a strong message of intent.
With 189 athletes taking part in 25 disciplines, the state is poised for a strong outing at the Gateway Games 2024. The leadership of Coach Mogaji and the backing of the state government provide the momentum for a successful sport outing.
As the festival progresses, all eyes are on Team Kwara, aiming high, playing hard, and hoping to bring home a remarkable medal haul.We wish them success.
Saheed Abdullahi is the Press Secretary, Kwara State Sports Commission
