Ogun State is set to host over 15,000 athletes and officials at the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged “2024 Gateway Games,” slated to hold in January next year.
This was revealed by the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and former Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Mr. Bukola Olopade, following a high-level meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun and Premium Trust Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta.
Olopade highlighted that the LOC is working diligently to ensure that the festival achieves a new milestone by creating an Olympic-standard Games Village.
According to him, this development will mark the first time in the festival’s history that athletes will be accommodated in a centralized location, facilitating a more inclusive and efficient competition.
“My biggest joy as the chairman of the LOC is the governor’s commitment to creating legacy projects around the games,” Olopade stated.
He commended the state government for its extensive investment in upgrading and constructing sports facilities, citing the revamped MKO Abiola Stadium, the Ijeja Sports Centre, and new basketball courts at Remo Stars Stadium as examples of these efforts.
He further expressed optimism that these infrastructural developments would have a lasting impact.
“In the next 20 to 30 years, children of Ogun State, Nigeria, and even the world will have world-class facilities to showcase their talents,” he added.
To ensure athletes’ health and safety, Olopade disclosed plans for a digitized feeding and volunteer system.
The catering service, he explained, will include scientifically tested meals to guarantee high nutritional standards.
Additionally, a well-structured transport system will be implemented, allowing seamless movement of participants between sporting venues in Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ikenne, and Babcock University.
The LOC has also made provisions for about 200 accredited journalists, who will be housed and fed to facilitate uninterrupted coverage of the festival.
Speaking on the state’s preparations, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, assured that efforts were in full swing to deliver a festival like no other.
“Unlike the 2006 edition, where swimming events were held in a hotel, this edition will fully utilize state-owned facilities, showcasing Ogun’s readiness to host a world-class event,” he said.
Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, the Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment as the lead sponsor of the festival.
He emphasized that the partnership is aimed at fostering youth development through sports, providing a platform for young talents to shine.
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