President Bola Tinubu on Sunday officially declared open the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) holding in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Tinubu, who was represented at the opening event by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, charged the participating athletes to compete favourable with integrity in the spirit of true sportsmanship.
The president, in his address at the event tagged: “Gateway 2024”, expressed the optimism that the ‘Torch of Unity’ lit at the commencement of the game would serve purposes more than unity.
Tinubu noted that sports has for several decades placed Nigeria on the global map, through which the country has been able to walk taller among comity of nations.
He commended the organisers of the festival, particularly the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko and his deputy for their renewed hope initiative for Nigeria’s sports economic framework.
Tinubu also commended the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the hospitality which the participating youths have enjoyed since their arrival in the state for the festival.
He stressed that Ogun State has further consolidated itself as not only the Gateway to knowledge, but one encompassing the desires of the nation.
Earlier in his welcome address, Governor Abiodun said Ogun State was hosting the festival to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to national development.
Abiodun, who disclosed that Ogun State was currently hosting over 10, 000 athletes and coaches, allayed the fear of insecurity, emphasising that in conjunction with the National Sports Commission (NSC), his administration has put in place very effective security arrangements to guaranty the safety of every participant.
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