The Federal Government has commended Ogun State for its continuous commitment to hosting a world-class National Sports Festival as the event draws closer.
The Organizing Committee (LOC) with the firm support of the NSC officially unveiled Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor of the festival on Wednesday in Abeokuta, in record breaking deal.
Speaking on this feat, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, lauded Ogun State’s dedication to ensuring a seamless and memorable festival, emphasizing the importance of corporate and private sector support in shaping the future of Nigerian sports in line with vision  of the NSC.
“The unveiling of Premium Trust Bank as the lead sponsor for the 2024 National Sports Festival is a testament to the rising confidence of the private sector in Nigerian sports. Ogun State has demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment, and this partnership is a step toward elevating the festival to execeptional standards,” Dikko said.
He further underscored the economic and social benefits of the festival, noting its potential to boost tourism, generate employment, and stimulate the local economy.
“Beyond the thrill of competition, the Gateway Games 2024 will drive economic growth, create opportunities for young athletes, and showcase Ogun State as a hub for sports excellence as well as its economic potentials. The National Sports Commission stands fully behind this vision and will provide every necessary support to ensure its success and the legacy of the hosting the games to the state is enduring,” he added.
“This festival is more than just a sporting event, it is a celebration of talent, resilience, and the boundless potential of Nigerian sports. With Ogun State’s level of preparation and the commitment of all stakeholders, I have no doubt that the Gateway Games 2024 will be the most remarkable edition yet,” Dikko stated.
The NSC will indeed continue to collaborate with the hosting state to provides all the enablers to ensure a successful games.
The National Sports Festival ( often tagged the Nigerian Olympics ) is owned by the National Sports Commission, and it is expected to feature over 20,000 participants across the 36 states plus the FCT, with the introduction of Invited Junior Athletes ( IJA ) as the 38th State.
The competition will run from the 16th of May to the 30th of May 2025.

Enyimba International’s head coach, Stanley Eguma, has pointed to a red card issued to one of his players as the primary reason for their 1-0 loss to Bendel Insurance, .
The match, which took place in Benin on Wednesday, saw Enyimba lose after Innocent Gabriel was sent off for a reckless challenge on Kayode Oke of Bendel Insurance.
Eguma acknowledged that both teams played well but noted that being a man down significantly impacted his team’s performance.
”It was a good game, but being a man down made things difficult for us,” he said.
Enyimba will look to bounce back when they face Rivers United this weekend.

The Head coach of Rivers Angels FC of Port Harcourt Tosan Blankson has praised his girls (Players) despite playing 1-1 draw  against Bayelsa Queen in the match day five of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWPL).
According to him he is short of words the type of good football his girls play adding that if they can keep it up they can play against every odds.
Blankson said this on Wednesday in his post match interview with sports journalists shortly after the 1-1 draw against the Queen of Bayelsa in the match day five of the NWPL at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Studium in Port Harcourt.
He pointed out that if Rivers Angels can keep playing in that form he his sure of  winning the Super six stressing that the team as always being flying, this is not their first time.
“ In fact I am short of words, if this girls can play football like this they can play against all odds I say all odds.
“ I am not talking about the officiating but I am saying against every odds.
“If Rivers Angels can playing like this  I am sure of winning the Super six.
“ The team as being flying alway this is not they first time so you can see their level of performance.
“The first half was ment for players and the second was for the coaches.
“ The draw is a good result we accept the draw, it was like a win but we welcome it.
“ What is important now is our plan against our next match” Coach Blankson said.
Also speaking the Head coach of Bayelsa Queen Whyte Ogbonda said his girls gave him 100 percent of their efforts to win the game but it was not easy.
He said coming to Port Harcourt they know the importance of the game so they have to attack and defend.
Ogbonda Former Rivers Angels coach expressed happiness coming to Port Harcourt to play against his former team adding that since he left Rivers Angels he has not come to Port Harcourt with any team.
“So for me to get draw in the hands of Rivers Angels I think I am very very happy” he said.

Kiadum Edookor