… Torch Of Unity Handed to Gov Abiodun
… Meal Contractors Cry Out Over N2.7bn Looming Job Loss
With over 15,000 athletes, officials, and sports enthusiasts converging in Ogun State for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2025, excitement and anxiety trail the much-anticipated sporting fiesta, which officially begins Friday, May 16.
The two-week event, which runs till May 30, will feature 549 competitive events with 2,150 medals up for grabs across various sporting disciplines.
However, the air of celebration has been clouded by infrastructural delays and a brewing controversy involving over 80 caterers who allege contractual neglect by the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday received the Torch of Unity at the City Gate along the Abeokuta-Siun-Sagamu Expressway.
The symbolic handover was led by Dorcas Adesokan, a renowned double gold medalist at the 2014 African Youth Games, who presented the torch as it made its nationwide journey ahead of the festival.
Governor Abiodun described the torch as emblematic of the country’s “collective dreams of unity and youth empowerment,” noting that the festival is more than a sporting contest—it is a celebration of Nigeria’s cultural diversity and national spirit.
“The Unity Torch encapsulates the essence of our mission,” he said.
“It symbolizes peace, sportsmanship, and the enduring spirit of every Nigerian. We are proud to host this prestigious event and reaffirm our commitment to friendship, collaboration, and national cohesion.”
The governor also expressed confidence in Ogun’s preparedness, even as concerns linger over incomplete works at the Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) Stadium in Kuto, one of the major venues for the event.
Mascot, Logo and Theme Song Unveiled
In a colourful pre-festival ceremony held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the official mascot of the Gateway Games—Omo Ogun—was unveiled to a rousing ovation. The animated figure, representing the energy and culture of the host state, saluted the crowd and engaged warmly with dignitaries.
Also launched were the festival’s logo, featuring the state’s signature lemon green and yellow hues, and a vibrant theme song titled E’kaabo (Yoruba for “Welcome”).
Composed by Dr. Bayo Adepetun, the song sets the tone for Ogun’s hospitality and cultural display.
Protests and Fear of Logistical Chaos
Despite the grand festivities and symbolic handovers, not all is well at the heart of the festival’s preparations.
Barely 24 hours to kickoff, members of the National Caterers Association of Nigeria staged a protest at the MKO Abiola Stadium, alleging exclusion from catering contracts after initial agreements with the LOC.
The association’s president, Francisca Ojo, said over 80 of their members, including widows and low-income earners, had travelled from across the country—transporting foodstuff and cooking equipment—only to be sidelined in favour of Babcock University, which was reportedly awarded the contract without prior notice.
PLATFORM TIMES however, could not confirm the claim that the state government has paid a sum of N500m to Babcock to prepare the meal out of about N2.7bn meals for all the athletes throughout the festival .
“We submitted our profiles last year and followed due process. Even last week, the LOC contacted us for details, which we took as confirmation.
But now we’re left stranded without funds or explanations,” Ojo lamented.
She insisted they still held their original application documents, decrying the lack of transparency and last-minute changes.
The caterers, whose contract was allegedly worth N2.7 billion in total, appealed to Governor Abiodun for urgent intervention, warning that further delay could mar athlete welfare and damage the state’s reputation.
Readiness in Question
Meanwhile, with athletes from 36 states and the FCT arriving, logistical and infrastructure concerns remain.
Major renovations at the MKO Stadium and other venues like the Alake Sports Centre were still incomplete as of Thursday, raising fears about Ogun’s readiness to host the Games.
Despite these challenges, the festival is set to kick off amid a potent mix of anticipation and agitation—a microcosm of Nigeria’s complex interplay of pride, passion, and protest.
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