By Olusegun Folarin
The spectacular opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival, NSF, tagged Gateway Games, witnessed an exciting display of energy, culture and colours through demonstrations and performances by groups and individuals to the admiration of the heterogeneous spectators.
The newly overhauled 10,000-capacity MKO Abiola Sports Arena was agog with the display of the People’s rich cultural heritage in an array of events, including a march past by contingents from the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
President Tinubu, while addressing the gathering, said the integration of the Invited Junior Athletes, IJA, into the 22nd edition of the games would expose the young athletes to competitiveness to nurture them for the future.
The President who spoke through the Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the organizers for projecting the sports economic framework of the present administration’s renewed hope initiative for Nigeria.
President Tinubu affirms his administration’s commitment to ensuring the country’s greatness through sports as a tool for national cohesion.
He said the celebration of unity, talent, and the Nigerian spirit through sports would help in promoting a more virile nation.
In a remark, Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasised that investing in sports meant investing in the future, saying the bid to host the festival was hinged on the desire to use sports as instruments for economic development and youth empowerment.
Governor Abiodun restated the importance of investing in sports as a catalyst for economic growth and development.
The Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Commission’s Director-General, Chief Bukola Olopade said the strategic structural reorganization of the Federal Ministry of Sports into the National Sports Commission was the foundation for sustainable growth and professionalism in the sports industry.
They encouraged the participating athletes to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship in the various sporting events.
The thrilling opening ceremony was graced by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, State Governors, Ministers, National and state lawmakers, while the popular musician, David Adeleke, popularly referred to as Davido, performed at the event.
Meanwhile, Some games Like Kungfu, weightlifting and Badminton had commenced at various centres before the official opening ceremony.
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