In a dazzling display of vision, unity, and organizational excellence, Ogun State took center stage on Thursday as it brought the 2024 National Sports Festival to a majestic close, redefining what it means to host Nigeria’s biggest sporting event.
From the heart of the MKO Abiola Stadium, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, declared the Gateway Games 2024 a “global-class sporting festival,” and a new benchmark for national unity and youth inspiration through sports.
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After two weeks of relentless competition across multiple sports, the final curtain came down on the festival with a closing ceremony that had all the hallmarks of an Olympic-scale event.
With stirring calisthenics, star-studded musical performances, and the thunderous ovation of thousands of spectators, Ogun State stamped its name in history—not just as host, but as trailblazer.
Hon. Olopade, who also chaired the Main Organising Committee, praised Ogun State’s execution as “exceptional,” and credited the success to the purposeful leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
“Ogun State has done an exceptional job as a host, and this is due to the visionary and intentional leadership of the Governor, Dapo Abiodun,” Olopade said. “This is now the new standard. Enugu State must build on this legacy, and I have full confidence that Governor Peter Mbah will deliver another world-class Games in 2026.”
The handover of the hosting flag to Enugu signaled the end of an unforgettable edition of the Games—but not before Ogun gave Nigeria a spectacle to remember. The highlight of the evening came as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, led the birthday celebration for Governor Abiodun’s 65th birthday—complete with a stadium-wide rendition of “Happy Birthday” and a massive ceremonial cake.
“This has truly been a festival of national unity and development,” Akpabio said, noting the impressive infrastructure Ogun State invested in the Games. “With what we have seen here, sports in Nigeria is clearly on the right path.”
In terms of sporting glory, Delta State once again proved its dominance, topping the medal table with 337 medals: 126 gold, 100 silver, and 111 bronze. Host state Ogun followed closely in second place with 93 gold, 65 silver, and 80 bronze medals—its best finish in recent history, a testament to its growing investment in sports development.
The overall medal distribution reflected the competitive spirit of the Games:
1st: Delta – 337 medals (126 gold)
2nd: Ogun – 238 medals (93 gold)
3rd: Bayelsa – 228 medals (92 gold)
4th: Rivers – 199 medals (76 gold)
5th: Edo – 293 medals (73 gold)
Meanwhile, Lagos, Oyo, FCT, Osun, and Akwa Ibom completed the top ten, showcasing a healthy spread of talent across the federation. A notable mention was the impressive showing by the Invited Junior Athletes IJA), who finished 18th, further igniting hope for Nigeria’s sporting future.
Anambra State received the Gender Balance Award for fielding an equal number of male and female athletes—an encouraging sign of progress in sports equity.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, beaming with pride, reiterated his administration’s commitment to preserving the momentum sparked by the festival.
“We are truly fulfilled to have hosted the entire country and to have done it this way,” the Governor said. “We will maintain and continue to improve our sporting infrastructure. This is just the beginning.”
As the floodlights dimmed and the echoes of Fuji legend KWAM 1 and Afrobeat star Wande Coal faded into the night, it was clear—Gateway Games 2024 was more than a sports festival. It was a national moment. A cultural triumph. A legacy in motion.
And for the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the message was loud and clear: the future of Nigerian sports has never looked brighter—and Ogun State has just raised the torch higher.
