2024 National Sports Festival:Tinubu Urges Athletes To Exhibit Integrity

From Paul Orude Bauchi

President Bola Tinubu has urged athletes competing in the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” which kicked off in Abeokuta, Ogun State,today to exhibit integrity and sportsmanship.

The president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the advice during the spectacular opening ceremony at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta.

He emphasised the unifying power of sports in Nigeria,stating that nothing unites the country like sports.

The festival is expected to host over 10,000 athletes from 36 states and the federal territory which runs from 16 to 30 ,2025.

The ceremony drew notable figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo,  the state Governor Dape Abiodun,chairman National sports commission Shehu Dikko,  Director General of the National sports commission Bukola Olapade ,Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, and state governors.

Meanwhile, the Bauchi state contingent for the 22nd National Sports Festival Gateway 2024 arrived safely in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital, on Sunday, May 19, 2025, after a long journey from Bauchi.

The contingents consist of 233 athletes and officials, including 99 males, 64 females, 29 coaches, and 23 secretaries.Bauchi will compete in 23 sporting events.

The leader of the Bauchi states delegation, Yusuf Usman Danbala, encouraged the athletes to compete with all seriousness.

Yusuf gave the charge during an interaction with sports journalists from Bauchi covering the event.

He thanked the state government for its commitment to sports development.

Bauchi state  athletes will compete in weightlifting, Karate, Judo, Para tennis, basketball, and other events.