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OGUN, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu has urged governments at all levels to utilize sports as a means for economic progress and development.
He made this statement on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) known as “Gateway Games 2024” in Abeokuta.
Team Delta triumphed as the overall champion, amassing a total of 323 medals. The two-week event showcased over 9,000 athletes competing in 33 different sports across various locations in Ogun.
While addressing the participants, Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, expressed his commitment to improving the country's situation and ensuring a bright future for unborn generations.
He highlighted sports as a catalyst for economic engagement, noting that the sports festival fostered a sense of unity despite differences in tribe, ethnicity, language, and religion.
“The sports festival is not merely a celebration of national unity; it also embodies the resilient spirit of Nigerians. Sports have consistently driven economic activity and promoted togetherness, especially by accommodating athletes in a single location. Every participant in this festival is a winner,” he stated.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of integrating sports into school curriculums nationwide to revitalize athletics.
He pointed out that sports significantly contribute to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The president praised the efforts of various stakeholders, particularly Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun, for providing the necessary infrastructure for the festival's success.
Abiodun expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission (NSC) for ensuring fairness and integrity in medal distribution among athletes.
He congratulated the athletes for their commitment to excellence and sportsmanship. “I congratulate you all, whether you leave here as champions, runners-up, or with valuable experiences gained at this festival.
You should depart with pride, knowing you have represented your state and the country admirably. I appreciate everyone who contributed to making this event a resounding success. God bless Nigeria,” Abiodun remarked.
In his comments, NSC chairman Shehu Dikko praised the Ogun government for successfully hosting the sports festival.
He remarked that Ogun has set a new standard with its quality infrastructure and warm hospitality.
He noted that the festival highlighted the increasing potential of Nigeria's sports economy, encompassing merchandise sales, local business opportunities, hospitality, and enhanced private partnerships.
“Ogun 2024 has clearly illustrated that sports is a true driver of economic activity. Your generosity, hospitality, and effective coordination have made this festival not only successful but also memorable, leading to positive outcomes in both sports and economic development.
You provided excellent infrastructure and support for the games, welcoming our athletes, officials, and guests with open arms and showcasing outstanding hospitality and organization.
Ogun has undoubtedly elevated the standards, and these games have now set a benchmark for future events,” he stated.
Dikko also expressed gratitude to Tinubu for his unwavering support for sports development as a unifying and transformative force for the nation.
He mentioned that under Tinubu’s administration, sports has become a cornerstone for national development, youth engagement, and international diplomacy.
The highlight of the event was the transfer of the festival flag to Enugu State, the next host of the 2026 National Sports Festival, by Abiodun. The NSF is a biennial multi-sport event organized by the federal government of Nigeria, bringing together athletes from across the nation to compete and promote unity, sportsmanship, and excellence nationwide.
