The Federal Government has rescheduled the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged ‘Gateway Games, Ogun 2024’, to January 2025.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, had announced Ogun as the next host in Asaba during the closing ceremony of the 21st NSF on December 10, 2022.
However, in a statement released after the first National Council on Sports meeting at the Old Government Lodge, Abakaliki Road, Enugu State, the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, announced the postponement of the games.
The minister praised the Ogun State Government for its efforts toward hosting the festival, highlighting the event’s importance in promoting national unity and socio-economic growth for sustainable development of the host state and the country.
He encouraged both federal and state governments to bid for and host national and international sports competitions to advance sports development in the country.
Enoh stated that the Council of Sports supported the establishment of the Sports Development and Investment Fund (NSIDF) for its benefits in promoting sports development in Nigeria. He urged all stakeholders to actively participate in ensuring the successful hosting of the Gateway Games.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, affirmed the state’s readiness to host the festival.
He explained that the NSF can unite people, promote collaboration and teamwork, instill values of discipline and perseverance, and encourage youth to participate in sports for socio-economic development.
“Through the power of sports, we have the opportunity to come together, forge connections, and celebrate our shared humanity. We are leveraging the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda of the governor to promote sports development at the grassroots,” he said.
