National Sports Festival gets new date
By Uzor Odigbo
The Joint Technical Committee for the 22nd National Sports Festival, Ogun 2024, has approved an adjustment of the Games’ dates to allow the Games to reflect the new direction of sports in the country and also provide more time for the implementation of recommendations made during the joint technical meeting.
According to a communiqué jointly signed by the Director General of the National Sports Commission/Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, Adebukola Olopade, and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Ogun State, Wasiu Isiaka, the Gateway Games will now be held from May 16 to 30, 2025.
Additionally, the zonal eliminations for team sports are scheduled to be held from February 23 to 28, 2025.
It was also agreed that ‘starting with the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, athletes discovered from the National Youth Games in some selected sports would be invited to participate in the National Sports Festival as Invited Junior Athletes which is part of the grand plan to nurture them to excel in their sport and develop as well-rounded individuals.
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During the deliberations, the committee commended the Federal Government for its political will to develop sports in Nigeria through the creation of a dedicated Commission to manage sports affairs.
They also lauded the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun, MFR, as well as the Government and the good people of Ogun State, for their warm reception, hospitality, and commitment to successfully hosting and organizing the 22nd National Sports Festival.
Commendations were also extended to Chief Kunle Soname and the management of Babcock University for their support towards the organization of the Games.
The 1st Joint Technical Meeting for the 22nd National Sports Festival took place on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Banquet Hall, Mitros Residence and Suites, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The meeting was preceded by a technical assessment and inspection of the proposed venues and facilities for the Games, conducted by all major stakeholders present at the Joint Technical Meeting.
As part of the resolutions, it was agreed that a 2nd joint Technical Meeting and Inspection visit would be necessary to ensure that all observed issues have been adequately addressed ahead of the Games
