As the date for the kick-off of the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games Ogun 2025 draws near, the National Sports Commission (NSC) inaugurated 19 sub-committees to ensure the successful hosting of the event scheduled to hold from May 16 to 30, 2025.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held today at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, described the National Sports Festival as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics and a platform through which the nation identifies, nurtures, and develops its best athletes to represent the country at international competitions.

He recalled that the Main Organising Committee, inaugurated by the former Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, was tasked with ensuring a hitch-free and successful festival. Olopade added that, given the caliber of individuals appointed to the sub-committees, he is confident that the mandate of the games will be achieved.

"I am satisfied with the caliber of people that make up the sub-committees and have no doubt that the games will meet the expectations of Nigerians," he stated.

He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to host a festival that will be appreciated both nationally and internationally, stressing that anything short of excellence would not be acceptable.

He therefore charged the committee members to be proactive and committed to delivering a seamless event, declaring that "failure is not an option."

Earlier in her remarks, the Director of the National Sports Festival and Para-sports Department, Mrs. Thecla Opara, expressed confidence in the ability of the sub-committee members to deliver on their responsibilities.

She noted that the sub-committees serve as the foot soldiers of the Main Organising Committee, tasked with executing all necessary activities to ensure a smooth and successful festival.

Also speaking, Deputy Director Patrick Abobi, on behalf of the sub-committees, thanked the Commission for the opportunity to serve. He acknowledged the high expectations placed on them and affirmed that achieving the festival’s mandate is a task that must be accomplished.

Director-General of National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade (middle) flanked to his right by Mrs. Thecla Opara MOC/DIRECTOR, NSFPS and to his left by Mustapha Ladan, Director Finance and Account.

Kehinde Ajayi (Mrs) FCAI, ANIPR

Director (Information and PR)

10/4/25