Ogun State is set to host the 2024 National Sports Festival, with Premium Trust Bank as lead sponsor, promising a world-class sporting event

The **Federal Government** has commended **Ogun State** for its dedication to hosting a **world-class National Sports Festival (NSF)** as preparations for the **Gateway Games 2024** reach advanced stages.

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On **Wednesday in Abeokuta**, the **Local Organising Committee (LOC)**, backed by the **National Sports Commission (NSC)**, officially unveiled **Premium Trust Bank** as the **lead sponsor** of the event in a **record-breaking sponsorship deal**.

Chairman of the **NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko**, praised Ogun State’s **exceptional commitment** to organising a **seamless and memorable** festival. He also highlighted the **crucial role of corporate sponsorships** in shaping the future of Nigerian sports.

“The unveiling of Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor for the **2024 National Sports Festival** is a testament to the rising confidence of the **private sector** in Nigerian sports. Ogun State has demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment, and this partnership is a step toward elevating the festival to **exceptional standards**,” Dikko said.

Beyond the competition, Dikko emphasised the **festival’s impact** on **tourism, job creation, and economic growth** in Ogun State.

“The **Gateway Games 2024** will not only showcase **athletic excellence** but will also **boost local businesses**, create **employment opportunities**, and promote Ogun State as a hub for **sports and economic development**,” he added.

The **National Sports Festival**, often referred to as the **Nigerian Olympics**, is owned by the **NSC** and will feature **over 20,000 participants** from **36 states and the FCT**, with the introduction of **Invited Junior Athletes (IJA)** as the **38th state**.

Scheduled to run from **16 to 30 May 2025**, the festival is set to be **one of the largest sporting events in Nigeria’s history**.

“This festival is more than just a sporting event; it is a **celebration of talent, resilience, and the boundless potential of Nigerian sports**. With Ogun State’s level of preparation and the commitment of all stakeholders, I have no doubt that **Gateway Games 2024** will be the most remarkable edition yet,” Dikko stated.

The **NSC** has reaffirmed its **full support** for Ogun State, ensuring that all **necessary resources and enablers** are in place for a **successful and historic** event.