The Joint Technical Committee for the 22nd National Sports Festival, Ogun 2024, has approved a new date for the event to align with the evolving vision for Nigerian sports and to allow sufficient time for implementing recommendations from the joint technical meeting.
The meeting, which took place at Mitros Residence and Suites in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was chaired by the Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), Hon Bukola Olapade, recently.
Olapade revealed that the Gateway Games will now take place from May 16-30, 2025 and the zonal eliminations for team sports are scheduled to take place from February 23-28, 2025.
He stated that in line with the new vision for sports development in Nigeria and President Tinubu’s directive to create an economically sustainable sports ecosystem, it became necessary to adjust the dates to ensure a comprehensive implementation of these goals.
“We’re excited about the additional time to prepare and demonstrate excellence to the entire nation,” he said.
The DG noted that the new Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) “is a strategic move to nurture our best young talents and expose them to top-level competition alongside seasoned athletes.”
He added: “This groundbreaking concept introduces young, promising athletes as a 38th state to compete in the Games.
“It is a strategic move to nurture our best young talents and expose them to top-level competition alongside seasoned athletes.
“This aligns perfectly with the mandate from President Tinubu to foster talent development and innovation in Nigerian sports.”
Delivering his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Ogun State, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, commended the MOC and LOC committee on their resilient and commitment and pledged the state’s readiness to host the games in the state
He welcomes all committee members and wished all a successful deliberation.
The committee praised the Federal Government for its commitment to advancing sports development through the establishment of a dedicated Sports Commission.
It also commended the government of Ogun State under the leadership of Prince Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun and the good people of Ogun State for their hospitality and dedication to hosting a successful sports festival.
Special recognition was given to the Chairman, Remo Stars, Chief Kunle Soname, for his unflinching support towards the state of successful hosting of the Game, and the management of Babcock University for offering the school to serve as the Games Village.
The committee resolved to conduct a second joint technical meeting and inspection visit to address all pending issues before the Games commences.
A communique was issued and signed by the DG and the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development.
