By Goodness Ndukuba, Awka on May 19, 2025
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, commenced in grand style in Ogun State with a colourful opening ceremony that drew dignitaries from across the federation.
Among the highlights of the night was the inspiring presence of Gov. Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State, who attended live to support the state contingent and formally chair their medal push.
Soludo’s presence underscored the state's growing commitment to youth development and sports excellence.
He applauded the athletes for their dedication and encouraged them to uphold the spirit of excellence and sportsmanship throughout the festival.
Accompanying the governor at the event were the Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Patrick Estate Onyedum, and the Commissioner for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. Patrick Aghamba.
The duo commended the athletes for their preparedness and unity of purpose, expressing confidence in their ability to bring glory to the state.
In their joint address, Hon. Onyedum and Aghamba urged the team to remain focused and determined, emphasizing that Anambra has all it takes to conquer the competition.
"This is your time to shine. Go out there and conquer!" Hon. Onyedum declared with confidence.
The National Sports Festival, often dubbed Nigeria's version of the Olympics, brings together athletes from all 36 states and the FCT in a multi-sport event that fosters unity, showcases talent, and promotes grassroots sports development.
Anambra’s contingent is competing in a wide range of sports including athletics, wrestling, taekwondo, table tennis, and more. With high expectations and visible government support, the team is poised for a strong showing.
Gov. Soludo’s morale-boosting presence and the rousing words from key sports administrators have set the tone for what promises to be an eventful and medal-rich festival for the state.
Source Daily Sports Nigeria
Posted May 19, 2025
You may also like...
We Have To Make It Count — Akwa...
Fury-Joshua Close To Deal, Fury Promoter Says
Gareth Southgate praises Three Lions’ ‘courage’
Southampton battle to goalless draw at Chelsea
Champions League: Osimhen scores again as Napoli beat...
Southampton Sign Ghana Defender Salisu From Valladolid
Latest News
.jpg)
Jimoh’s form fuels African Scrabble Championship hope
_5.jpg)
Bassey makes BBC Team of the Week
Eagles call up dream come true – Nnadi
World Cup play-off: DR Congo mum as NFF petitions FIFA over players’ eligibility
.jpeg)
Super Eagles World Cup hopes revived with last-minute FIFA intervention
AFCON: Osimhen ‘on another level,’ defenders’ll be scared – Onyeka
Super Eagles camp swells to 22 ahead of Egypt friendly
Nigerian cricketers claim West Africa Trophy awards
Nigeria’s World Cup dream alive as DR Congo face player eligibility probe
Adekunle wins school table tennis tourney
EPL: Arteta backs Gabriel Jesus to become Arsenal’s first-choice striker
Joshua, Paul fight scripted – Wilder
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,408 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,663 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,596 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,242 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,205 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,115 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (51,957 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,540 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,690 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,235 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,626 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,102 views)
Jimoh’s form fuels African Scrabble Championship hope
Bassey makes BBC Team of the Week
Eagles call up dream come true – Nnadi
World Cup play-off: DR Congo mum as NFF petitions FIFA over players’ eligibility
Super Eagles World Cup hopes revived with last-minute FIFA intervention
AFCON: Osimhen ‘on another level,’ defenders’ll be scared – Onyeka
Super Eagles camp swells to 22 ahead of Egypt friendly
Nigerian cricketers claim West Africa Trophy awards
Nigeria’s World Cup dream alive as DR Congo face player eligibility probe
Adekunle wins school table tennis tourney
EPL: Arteta backs Gabriel Jesus to become Arsenal’s first-choice striker
Joshua, Paul fight scripted – Wilder
Most Read
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,408 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,663 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,596 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,242 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,205 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,115 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (51,957 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,540 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,690 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,235 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,626 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,102 views)