Enugu State commissioner for youth and sports development, Barrister Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, has praised Ogun State for its outstanding organisation and execution of the 2024 National Sports Festival.
The 22nd National Sports Festival, known as the ‘Gateway Games 2024’, concluded yesterday with a vibrant closing ceremony, after eleven days of showcasing exceptional talent, with Team Delta clinching the overall championship for the fifth consecutive time.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP Sports on the eve of the closing ceremony, Ekweremadu, whose state is set to host the next edition of the National Sports Festival, acknowledged Ogun State’s remarkable efforts but confidently asserted that Enugu’s 2026 Games will surpass those of the Gateway Games.
“Ogun State has done a superb job in hosting this event. When you consider the behind-the-scenes efforts involved in staging such a significant occasion, you truly appreciate the scale of hosting the National Sports Festival,” Ekweremadu remarked.
He extended his gratitude to the Ogun State government and its residents for their commitment to the facilities, logistics, and overall organisation of the event.
As Enugu prepares to host the next festival, Ekweremadu highlighted the readiness of the Enugu State government under Governor Dr. Peter Mba, a passionate advocate for sports. “Our preparations are already underway. The governor is a man of excellence with high expectations,” he noted. The commissioner disclosed that preliminary work is in progress, with the necessary consultants engaged and a local organising committee established to ensure a successful event.
Ekweremadu assured that attendees can expect substantial improvements at the forthcoming festival. “We have many promising young talents we have been nurturing, and His Excellency is particularly focused on grassroots sports development. You will see a significantly enhanced Team Enugu next year,” he added.
While addressing potential challenges, Ekweremadu referenced the memorandum of understanding signed between the host state and the National Sports Commission, which includes provisions for unforeseen circumstances. “There is a provision for force majeure, meaning that anything can happen. I don’t believe Ogun State planned to host the 2024 Games in 2025, so we are doing everything possible to ensure that we host the event in 2026,” he explained, assuring that preparations remain on track despite any uncertainties.
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