NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
Gateway Games Opening Ceremony: A Night of Stars, Sports, and Excitement
It’s been over 24 hours, but the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta is still vibrating.
The stadium came alive on the 19th of May, 2025, as Ogun State hosted the grand opening ceremony of the Gateway Games 2024. The event, which began the multi-sport festival, brought together athletes, officials, and spectators for a night of celebration, culture, and sportsmanship.
The Gateway Games opened with a fast-moving, colourful, and hypnotic show that ticked every box from sports to culture. The ceremony continued with the arrival of officials and dignitaries, including Governor Dapo Abiodun and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Power-packed assembly
The stadium was filled with excitement as spectators filled the stands, cheering in anticipation. Opening performances followed. A combined band of musicians and cultural troupes grabbed the audience from the first beat. The cultural troupes delivered mesmerizing dances, while the musicians set the stage for an unforgettable night.
Asa took the mood higher, delivering both the National Anthem and the Ogun State Anthem with her signature smooth control, and left the audience in awe.
Excitement galore!
The Loud City Choir stepped in next to sing the Games’ official theme song. The parade demonstration from each State followed this. The parade saw all 36 states march in colorful attire. Highlights included Ogun and Edo’s yellow and red ensembles, respectively.
The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr. Shehu Dikko, and the director general of NSC, Mr. Bukola Olapade, emphasized the games’ significance.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Wasiu Isiaka, highlighted the state’s commitment to athletic excellence.
The Vice President of Nigeria, representing the president, Kashim Shettima, and the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, both championed youth, unity, and the start of the fantastic games.
What a starry night!
Finally, superstar Davido brought the stadium down with an electrifying performance, a sign that the games have started at a volume we can’t turn down.
With thrilling performances, inspiring speeches, and an outpouring of state pride, the opening ceremony signals a powerful and energetic start to the Games’ two-week run.
Follow the following handles for the latest updates on the ongoing games:
Facebook: Gateway Games
The Leadership of the Africa Sports Management Association (ASMA) has joined others in mourning the 22 athletes of Kano State who died on their way back from the just concluded National Sports Festival.
In a statement signed by its president, Prof. Oluwaseun Omotayo, the association remarked that it received with shock the news of the fatal motor accident that claimed the lives of the 22 Kano State athletes.
“The purpose of this message is to express deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic accident.
“Africa Sports Management Association (ASMA) leadership commiserate with the National Sports Commission, the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Kano State Governor and the Kano State Sports Commission, Ogun State Governor and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the entire Nigerian sports community “, the statement concluded.
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The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the just concluded 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, has expressed condolences to the Kano State Government. They expressed sympathy for the tragic incident involving members of the Kano State contingent. These members were returning home after participating in the National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
A bus conveying the athletes was said to have been involved in a crash at the Dakatsalle Bridge in the Kura Local Government area of Kano State after passing Kaduna state, claiming the lives of 21 athletes.
The Executive Secretary of the LOC, Dr Kweku A. Tandoh, remarked: “We are saddened by this incident, particularly with the death of these young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talent, skills, and creativity in sports.
“Words cannot adequately express the sorrow the LOC feels at this loss.
“We offer our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the departed ones, and we pray that God will comfort the families.
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Ogun State Governor, and chief host of the just concluded Gateway Games, Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic ancident involving members of the Kano State contingent who were returning home after participating in the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun State.
A bus conveying the athletes crashed about 50 kilometres from Kano. It had passed through Kaduna State. The crash claimed the lives of 20 athletes.
Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Saturday, said the incident had left him completely traumatized.
The athletes were vibrant young people. They were looking forward to a warm reception from their fans and families. The athletes had proudly donned the colours of Kano State at the just-concluded Gateway Games 2024. They had a bright future ahead of them.
Abiodun expressed condolences to the government and people of Kano State over the incident. He prayed for the repose of the souls of the athletes.
He stated that they were heroes whose patriotism and commitment to the cause of Kano State will never be forgotten. Their dedication to Nigeria as a whole will also be forever remembered.
He said: “It is indeed saddening and distressing. Twenty gallant athletes who had represented Kano State at the just concluded Gateway 2024 games have lost their lives. The circumstances are most traumatising and painful.
“This is so painful. These were young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talents, skills, and creativity.
“In particular, it is tragic that their beloved family members, who were looking forward to receiving them after a memorable outing at the National Sports Festival, will never get to see their beautiful faces again.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with their families and friends at this terrible hour.
“Having represented Kano with pride and distinction and made friends with their compatriots from across the 36 states, the athletes were heading home with joy, only for their lives to be cut short just before setting foot on Kano soil.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants them eternal rest.
“I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his cabinet, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, and the people of Kano State over this most tragic and unfortunate incident.
“May we never witness this kind of incident again.”
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