… seven governors, Obasanjo, Soyinka, IGP, others in attendance
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,con Sunday, declared open the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged ‘Gateway Games 2024’, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Tinubu represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, noted that his administration is committed to sports development.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Governors Hope Uzodinma (Imo); Professor Charles Soludo (Anambra); Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Usman Ododo (Kogi); Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); Bala Binu (Yobe).
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The governors of Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji was represented by his deputy, Monisade Afuye; Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Kwanta Yakubu; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme.
The President stated that sports has continued to place Nigeria on the global map, adding that it is one of the key drivers of the nation’s economy.
He said, “We want it to thrive, autonomous, innovative and focussed because we recognised it critical role in building the nation healthier, stronger and more united Nigeria.
“For decades, sport has placed Nigeria on the global map. Heavy weight champions, renowned footballers. Sport remains of the forces for national cohesion.
“Indeed nothing has brought the nation together like sport whether on the pitch, in the court or on the track. We are reminded daily that we’re not strangers to one another, we are compatriots drawn from different roots but drinking from the same well of national pride.”
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, described NSF as a celebration of the nation’s diversity and unity.
He said that history would be kind to Tinubu for using sports to Forster unity and build national cohesion.
While acknowledging that the National Sports Festival remained the only platform for talented athletes to be discovered and launched into the global space.
The host governor, Dapo Abiodun, appreciated Tinubu for supporting the state towards the hosting of the sports festival.
He explained that his administration would continue to leverage on all sporting facilities in the state to engage the youths for national development.
The colorful ceremony witnessed performances from Singer, David Adeleke and Bukola Elemide (Asa) among others.
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