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.
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Facebook: Gateway Games
A seven-member management team has been inaugurated to manage the Rivers State contingent’s participation at the 2026 Niger Delta Games, scheduled to hold in Edo State.
Former Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Chris Green, who has served four terms in that role, was named chairman of the committee charged with overseeing the preparations and welfare of Team Rivers for the regional multi-sport event, tagged Edo 2026.
Other members of the team are Professor Ken Anugweje, Comrade Emma Ndah, Obia Inyengiyikabo and Awele Salubi, while Emmanuel Jaja will serve as the committee’s secretary. Veteran sports journalist Sammy Wejinya was also appointed Media Head and Director of Communications of the team.
Speaking shortly after the inauguration, Green urged members of the committee to deploy their vast experience and expertise to ensure that the Rivers State contingent performs creditably at the games.
“Only the best in their respective fields have been selected to serve in the team, and I want to use this opportunity to charge all the appointed members to bring their wealth of experience to bear as we open yet another vista in the chapter of sports in Rivers State,” Green said.
The 2026 Niger Delta Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission, will be held in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 27, 2026.
The games are expected to feature competitions in 17 sports, with events taking place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and other designated venues across the host city.
The Niger Delta Games bring together athletes from states in the oil-producing region and are aimed at promoting sports development, unity and youth engagement across the Niger Delta.
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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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