After months of delays and anticipation, the 22nd National Sports Festival — Gateway Games 2024 — is finally lighting up Ogun State.
Initially billed for November 2024, the festival faced a couple of setbacks, first pushed to January 2025, then finally locked in for 16–30 May. The wait is over, and the excitement is off the charts.
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Often dubbed “Nigeria’s Olympics,” the National Sports Festival showcases athletic talent, culture, and unity. And Ogun is pulling out all the stops to host a show-stopping edition.
The Gateway State promises an unforgettable opening ceremony this Sunday, from electrifying performances to cultural displays.
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Music heavyweights Davido and Asa are set to thrill the crowd, and all eyes are on Afrobeats star Asake, who’s been spotted at the stadium and could make a surprise appearance on stage.
Vice President Kashim Shettima will officially declare the games open, marking the start of two weeks of fierce competition and celebration.
With all 36 states and the FCT in attendance — and more than 10,000 athletes ready to battle for glory — the stage is set for a festival like no other.
Stay plugged in to PREMIUM TIMES for blow-by-blow updates.
The opening ceremony kicks off at 5 p.m. — and it’s should be one to remember even though the weather in Abeokuta currently suggests there might be showers of rain.
After a light shower, things appears set for an epic Opening Ceremony.. More people are trooping in, the latest include the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Ekiti State Deputy Governor and Guinness world record holder Tunde Onakoya amongst many others
The Governor of Anambra Chukwuma Soludo and his Ondo State counterpart Lucky Aiyetidawa are also in for the Opening ceremony
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for Speaker Dimeji Bankole, former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba, former Ogun Governor Gbenga Daniel are also among the dignitaries here at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena
The opening ceremony has commenced right at the 22nd National Sports Festival, holding at the M.K.O ABIOLA SPORTS ARENA; all dignitaries have been introduced.
We’ve also had performances from upcoming act Meekay, and a few others.
The match past is about to commence with the defending champions Team Delta coming out first, while the host state, Team Ogun State comes last, and others alphabetically in-between.
We have the presence of the VP of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Kashim Shettima, accompanied by the host Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
Vice President Kashim Shetima has arrived at the stadium
Asa renders the National anthem and Ogun State anthem to officially flag off the Opening ceremony of the Gateway 2024 Games
Explicit Dancers are set for the first performance of the night
Loud Urban Choir are next on the stage for the rendition of the theme song for the Gateway Games 2024 National Sports Festival
Bayo Adepetan is the composer of the theme song
The official march pass is officially on with Abia State leading the line
Abia… Adamanwa.. Akwa Ibom.. Anambra in that order
Team Ogun State ends the March Parade as athletes get set for the oath taking 
Wasiu Isiaka Commissioner for Sports Development in Ogun State delivers the welcome speech
Next on line for speeches is the D.G National Sports Commission Bukola Olopade
19 Years ago Bukola Olopade was Ogun State Commissioner when the State hosted Gateway Games 2026
Following speeches by the D.G National Sports Commission Shehu Dikko and the Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Vice President Kashim Shetima is now making his speech which will be the last for today
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