Sports Festival: Tinubu declares event open as Asa, Davido Thrills Crowds at Opening Ceremony

The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games 2024, was officially declared open on Sunday, 18 May, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu described the National Sports Festival as a vital instrument for national unity, cohesion, and a source of renewed hope for Nigerians. He emphasised that his administration recognises sport as a unifying force and a critical rallying point for patriotism.

“For decades, sport has placed Nigeria on the global map. It remains one of the most powerful forces for national cohesion,” he said. “We want sport to thrive—autonomous, innovative and focused—because we recognise its vital role in building a healthier, stronger, and more united Nigeria. Indeed, nothing has brought the nation together like sport, whether on the pitch, the court, or the track. It reminds us that we are not strangers, but compatriots drawn from different roots, drinking from the same well of national pride.”

The opening ceremony, which lasted more than four hours, began with a soulful rendition of the national anthem and Ogun State anthem by popular singer and songwriter, Bukola Elemide, also known as Asa.

Asa’s rendition was followed by other performances which lit up the arena as well as the colourful march past of the 36 states, the FCT and the Invited Junior Athletes, who are dubbed as the 38th state at the National Sports Festival.

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The evening was capped by Afrobeats star, Davido, who thrilled the spectators by dropping energetic hits off his newly-released 5ive album, among other old hit songs from his discography.

Over 15,000 athletes are competing in both individual and team sports, which will offer a total of 2,150 medals in 549 events.

The multi-sport event, regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, is set to be one of the most expansive in the festival’s history, with 626 gold, 626 silver, and 898 bronze medals up for grabs.

The events will be held across different venues, including the state capital, Abeokuta, Ikenne, Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode.