The 22nd National Sports Festival, known as the Gateway Games, commenced on Sunday, 18 May 2025, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The opening ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka. Other dignitaries present included Governors Charles Soludo (Anambra), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), as well as members of the national and state legislatures.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Shettima, officially declared the festival open, urging athletes to compete with integrity and sportsmanship.
The festival, running from 18 to 30 May, features over 10,000 athletes competing in 23 sports events. Team Delta, the defending champions from the 21st edition held in Asaba, aim to retain their title against strong competition from other states.
The event concluded with a fireworks display, marking the beginning of two weeks of athletic competition.
