President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to holistically invest in the sports sub-sector with the aim to drive development and unity across the country.
He gave me assurance during the opening ceremony of the 2024 National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games,” at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The President, represented by his Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, explained that the government under the Renewed Hope Agenda was using sports to unite the nation.
“We are committed to preserving the spirit of sportsmanship in a practice that defines us as a people.
“Sports remain one of the powerful forces for national cohesion. Indeed, nothing has brought this nation together like sports, whether on the pitch, court, or track”, he added.
Tinubu reassured of his administration’s commitment to developing talents to build bridges of love, peace, and development in the country.
He urged participants to celebrate their oneness and unity through the various sporting events, commending the organisers for putting up one of the best events in the country.
Also speaking, the host Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, noted that the Gateway Games 2024 was more than a competition, as it presents the nation with the opportunity to celebrate its rich cultural heritage and hidden talents.
Abiodun stated that the event is capable of driving socio-economic development and creating job opportunities for citizens.
The Governor appreciated the contributions of the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for making the event a success.
Earlier, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General of the Commission, Bukola Olapade, thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to repositioning sports.
Both commended the Ogun State government and other stakeholders for hosting the event even as he thanked state governors for participating in the festival.
In an interview, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Yakubu Kwanta, expressed optimism that Team Nasarawa would perform well in the 18 sports it has registered for.
He stated that the preparation of the state ahead of the biennial Festival was an investment that will yield results through the performance of the Athletes.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State was represented by the Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Hon Yakubu Kwanta while former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Speaker,House of Representative Dimeji Bankole, Former Governor of Ogun State Olusegun Osoba, Governors of Yobe, Anambra, Kogi, Imo, Osun States were all present.
