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.

Katsina State will host the 2025 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, promoting African cultural values, food security, and regional development

Katsina State, in Nigeria’s North West, has been chosen to host the 2025 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, themed *“African Cultural Values and Food Security for Peace and Development.”*

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This prestigious event aims to unite key stakeholders to address security challenges affecting farming and agriculture across Nigeria and the broader West African region.

The announcement was made by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda.

Scheduled for 2025, the festival will spotlight Katsina as a hub for cultural heritage, agricultural innovation, and economic development.

Governor Radda stated that the festival would emphasise African cultural values while advancing food security, peace, and development across the ECOWAS region.

It is expected to attract local and international investors in agriculture, boosting economic opportunities in Katsina State.

The festival will also create a ripple effect across multiple industries, including event management, tourism, logistics, and local markets. These opportunities will benefit the state’s youth, artisans, and small businesses.

Dr. Kabir Ali Masanawa, Executive Director/CEO of the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau, highlighted the festival’s potential to stimulate demand for hospitality services, food, and transportation.

The influx of visitors will boost the local economy while showcasing Katsina’s rich cultural heritage.

Ambassador Prince Felix Ihonre, Director-General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, commended Governor Radda for his warm reception and unwavering support, describing the upcoming festival as a landmark event for the region.

The 2025 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is expected to be a transformative event, reinforcing Katsina State’s role as a cultural and agricultural leader in West Africa.

Calabar Carnival 2024 drew over 300,000 tourists, driving a 42% increase in attendance and generating billions in revenue for Cross River.

The recently concluded 32-day Calabar Carnival 2024 proved a monumental success, attracting over 300,000 tourists and generating billions in revenue for Cross River State.

This marked a 42% increase in attendance compared to 2023, according to the Cross River Tourism Bureau.

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Speaking in Lagos, the bureau’s Managing Director, Ekpenyong Ojoi, revealed that the carnival, which ran from 1 November to 31 December 2024, brought a significant influx of visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

“Calabar recorded over 300,000 tourists during the festival period, with most visitors coming from Abuja, Lagos, and neighbouring Akwa Ibom State,” Ojoi stated.

He highlighted that the 2024 festival saw a significant rise in onsite spectators, with an estimated 450,000 attending key events such as the Cultural Carnival, Children’s Carnival, and Bikers Carnival. This was a substantial increase from the 279,486 spectators recorded in 2023.

Furthermore, the carnival achieved global visibility, with over 1.2 billion viewers watching via DSTV channel 198 and over 100 million viewers tuning in through online streaming platforms.

The tourism boom translated into remarkable economic benefits for Calabar. From November to December 2024, hotel occupancy rates rose from 57% in 2023 to 68%, with many establishments achieving full capacity during peak dates in December.

Revenue highlights include:

• Hotel bookings: Estimated at ₦2.79 billion ($1.74 million), driven by 100% occupancy at key hotels such as Hogis Royale and Metropolitan Hotel.
• Food and breakfast sales: Estimated at ₦900 million ($562,000).
• Ticketed events: Funfest, Calabar Fashion Show, and Queen of Humanity generated ₦100 million ($66,000).
• Nightlife: The city’s top five nightclubs contributed ₦400 million ($267,000).
• Miscellaneous activities: Online streaming, food, drinks, dancers, and car rentals added another ₦1 billion ($667,000).
• Transportation: Visitors spent an estimated ₦8.87 billion on air, road, and sea travel.

Ojoi also emphasised the cultural significance of the carnival, with tourists visiting key attractions such as the OMR, Marina Resort, and Kwa Falls. The festival continues to strengthen Calabar’s reputation as a premier destination for cultural tourism in Nigeria.

“The Calabar Carnival is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of our rich heritage, a boost to our economy, and an opportunity to connect with the world,” Ojoi added.

As the Cross River State Government continues its efforts to promote tourism, the success of the 2024 Calabar Carnival demonstrates the transformative potential of cultural events in driving economic growth and global recognition.