Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun unveiled the mascot, logo, and theme song for the 22nd National Sports Festival (“Gateway Games 2024”), assuring a memorable and inclusive event

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, on Tuesday unveiled the official mascot, logo, and theme song for the highly anticipated 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2024.”

Also read: Ogun State gears up for 22nd National sports festival with upgraded facilities

The unveiling ceremony, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, underscored the state’s readiness and commitment to hosting a remarkable and inspiring edition of the national sporting event.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that the unveiling was a clear demonstration of his administration’s dedication to delivering a National Sports Festival that will be the most memorable and inclusive in Nigeria’s history.

He assured all stakeholders that the “Gateway Games” is not just Ogun State’s festival but a national celebration, and Ogun State is fully prepared to welcome athletes and officials from across the country.

The Governor called upon all stakeholders to collaborate with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure the sports festival becomes an unforgettable showcase of talent, unity, and national pride.

He noted that the unveiled mascot and theme song beautifully reflect the vibrant energy, rich cultural heritage, and high aspirations of the people of Ogun State.

Governor Abiodun urged residents of Ogun State to actively participate in the festival by attending events, enthusiastically cheering the athletes, and warmly welcoming guests, thereby showcasing the renowned culture and hospitality that positions Ogun State as a prominent tourism destination.

The Governor highlighted several new initiatives incorporated into this year’s festival, promising to redefine the overall experience and make “Ogun 2024” an event not to be missed.

“This year’s edition features several new initiatives which the Director General of the National Sports Commission has already highlighted. These innovations are set to redefine the Festival experience and make Ogun 2024 truly unmissable,” stated Governor Dapo Abiodun.

He commended the creativity and talent behind the symbolic elements, acknowledging Dr. Bayo Adepetun for composing the spirited theme song and the Ministry of Culture team for bringing the mascot to life.

He lauded the tireless efforts of the LOC, led by Executive Secretary Dr. Kweku Tandoh, and the guidance of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade, along with sports associations and numerous individuals working diligently behind the scenes to ensure all facilities are ready and every detail is meticulously in place.

The Ogun State Government has made significant investments in upgrading existing sports facilities and constructing new ones to meet world-class standards.

Governor Abiodun affirmed that these investments will not only serve the 2024 Festival but will also stand as a lasting legacy, establishing Ogun State as a premier destination for sports tourism and athletic excellence in Nigeria.

Director-General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Bukola Olopade, expressed his satisfaction with the level of preparedness demonstrated by Ogun State for the upcoming 22nd National Sports Festival, assuring participants of an exceptional experience.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, welcomed the Joint Technical Committee to the unveiling ceremony and expressed his gratitude to the members of the Local Organizing Committee for their unwavering commitment to meeting the timelines for the opening ceremony.

The 22nd National Sports Festival, “Gateway Games 2024,” is scheduled to hold in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th, 2025.

The National Sports Festival is a biennial multi-sport event organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Sports Commission.

It brings together athletes from all 36 states of Nigeria to compete in various sports, fostering national unity and promoting sports development at the grassroots level.

MTN sports tourism in Akwa Ibom gets a boost as Governor Eno pledges full support for the upcoming Champion Sports talent event

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening MTN sports tourism in Akwa Ibom, as Governor Umo Eno welcomed the telecom giant’s decision to host its Champion Sports event in the state from 29 April to 3 May 2025.

During a courtesy visit by the MTN Nigeria management team on Wednesday, led by Chief Sales and Distribution Officer Mr Sida Adekunle, Governor Eno praised MTN’s investment in youth development and commended the company for choosing Akwa Ibom as the host location.

“We appreciate your choice of Akwa Ibom for this talent hunt. Our administration is dedicated to promoting sports tourism, and we see this as an opportunity to showcase the state’s potential,” Eno stated.

Governor Eno underlined his administration’s broader vision of transforming Akwa Ibom into a tourism and investment hub beyond its traditional oil-based economy.

He identified key growth areas such as sports, agriculture, cultural and medical tourism. He also credited previous administrations for laying a solid infrastructural foundation, citing the state’s extensive road network and Ibom Air as assets that enhance its appeal to visitors and investors alike.

He urged MTN to enhance its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes and use its influential platforms to project the image of Akwa Ibom to national and global audiences.

“Please continue your CSR efforts and help showcase Akwa Ibom alongside MTN. We look forward to deepening our collaboration,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Adekunle expressed appreciation for the warm reception and praised the governor’s leadership, particularly the implementation of the Arise Agenda, which he described as a catalyst for sports and economic development in the state.

Adekunle lauded the state’s security and infrastructure, and revealed that six of the top 20 athletes from the first edition of the MTN Champion Sports talent competition came from Akwa Ibom—underscoring the state’s wealth of untapped athletic talent.

He sought the government’s continued support for the second edition of the tournament, which is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. He also extended an invitation to Governor Eno to officially flag off the event on 30 April 2025.

MTN’s broader CSR investments, spanning education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, were also highlighted during the visit, reinforcing the telecom company’s role as a key partner in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

As Akwa Ibom positions itself as a leading sports tourism destination, partnerships like this underscore the state’s readiness to diversify its economy while empowering its youth and showcasing its rich potential to the world.

The MTN Champs Season 3 continues with exciting events in Lagos, including a Flag Run and the Continental Relays from April 9-12.

Lagos is set to come alive with the much-anticipated MTN Champs Season 3, a premier athletics event taking place from April 9 to 12.

The action will unfold at two iconic venues—the Yabatech and UNILAG sports complexes—where top young athletes from across Africa will compete in the Continental Relays, a high-energy, thrilling series of track and field events.

However, the excitement will begin a day earlier, with the Flag Run on April 8, a unique prelude to the main competition.

The Flag Run offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills across the streets of Lagos, covering a distance ranging from 5km to 10km. The relay teams will run from Alausa, weaving through key Lagos landmarks, and conclude at the MTN Plaza in Ikoyi.

The Flag Run not only highlights the athletic talents of its participants but also immerses them in the cultural and scenic beauty of Lagos. The event is designed to be a celebration of the city, as well as a platform for athletes to engage with Lagos’ vibrant energy.

This race is a perfect mix of sports, culture, and tourism, aligned with MTN’s ‘See Naija’ campaign, which encourages the discovery of Nigeria’s beauty and diversity.

In preparation for the run, participants will be escorted by a dedicated security team, traffic management officers, and medics to ensure their safety and smooth movement across the city. Additionally, a team bus will accompany the runners, providing logistical support during the event.

Speaking on the importance of the Flag Run, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, emphasised the significance of the event, noting: “This is more than just a relay.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate Lagos, its people, and its culture while showcasing the next generation of champions. The athletes won’t just be running; they’ll be bringing the city to life through sports.”

Following the Flag Run, the main MTN Champs Continental Relays will showcase the talents of young athletes from across the continent, competing in various track and field events.

The competition promises to be an exciting platform for emerging talent and aims to further solidify Nigeria’s position as a leading athletics hub in Africa.

The relays will feature not only thrilling athletic performances but also special guest appearances, live music, and the chance to win exciting prizes. Lagos residents are encouraged to come out in full support, cheering on the athletes as they race for glory.

The MTN Champs Continental Relays are organised in collaboration with Making of Champions, and are expected to be a major highlight in the sports calendar for 2025.