Abeokuta, Ogun State – The ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, famously dubbed the “Gateway Games 2024,” has transcended its athletic purpose to become a profound driver of economic resurgence across Ogun State. Under the strategic leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, what was once a mere sporting event is now a vibrant economic movement, breathing new life into local businesses, infrastructure, and the social fabric of the state.
The hum of economic activity began months before the official opening of the Games, which are being held from May 16th to May 30th, 2025. Extensive renovations at key facilities such as the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Alake Sports Centre, and Gateway International Stadium have not only transformed them into world-class venues but also sparked a flurry of opportunities for civil engineers, bricklayers, electricians, interior decorators, security personnel, transporters, and food vendors. This infrastructural renaissance has provided meaningful work, revitalizing livelihoods and empowering families across the state.
Governor Abiodun’s administration has been deliberate in ensuring widespread economic prosperity. The disbursement of ₦16.5 million to 33 sports associations has invigorated a previously dormant ecosystem of athletes, trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, sportswear manufacturers, and media content creators. This investment is transforming sports from a recreational pursuit into a viable career path for the youth, offering avenues for income, respect, and personal advancement.
Ilisan, home to Babcock University and the designated Games Village, has experienced a remarkable commercial boom. Dormant buildings have been repurposed as short-term accommodation, shops have restocked, and new enterprises, from mobile clinics to tech-enabled food delivery services, have emerged to cater to the influx of visitors. This quiet academic town has, in a short span, become a bustling commercial hub.
Abeokuta, the state capital and the epicenter of the Games, has become a canvas for economic creativity. Hotels are reporting record occupancy rates, transport operators have expanded their fleets, and local eateries have scaled up operations. Even informal vendors, such as roasted corn sellers, water hawkers, and vulcanizers, have seen unprecedented daily earnings, showcasing a genuine form of trickle-down economics at play.
The Gateway Games 2024 is proving to be more than a temporary economic uplift; it signifies a fundamental shift in the perception of Ogun State as a prime destination for investment, tourism, and culture. Visitors are not only enjoying the sporting spectacle but also exploring iconic landmarks like Olumo Rock, the bustling Itoku Market, and the picturesque towns along scenic routes. The demand for local crafts, particularly Adire fabric, has surged, tour guides are fully booked, and cultural performers are securing engagements for months to come. Indeed, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olapade, has highlighted that over a million Adire materials have already been sold, with vendors reporting shortages due to high demand.
The government’s meticulous planning has ensured that the benefits of the Games permeate every corner of Ogun State. Local councils have been mobilized to prepare their environments, showcase their unique cultures, and promote local content. This decentralized approach has ensured that economic gains radiate across the state, rather than being concentrated in a few central areas.
Furthermore, Ogun’s youth have capitalized on the digital space, engaging in content creation, social media marketing, and brand partnerships tied to the festival. Influencers, vloggers, and digital entrepreneurs are documenting the Games, advertising local businesses, and monetizing their online presence. Governor Abiodun’s administration has effectively seeded not just physical infrastructure but also a burgeoning digital economy rooted in local talent and innovation.
The Gateway Games 2024 is a testament to strategic governance. Under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s enlightened leadership, Ogun State has demonstrated that sports, when leveraged strategically, can be a potent fulcrum for job creation, youth engagement, urban regeneration, and enhanced national and international standing. It’s a clear indication of Abiodun’s broader economic vision for the state, which has seen Ogun attract significant investment, improve its transportation sector with over 1,200 kilometers of roads constructed, and develop key projects like the Agro International Cargo Airport in Ikenne.
In an era where sports are often seen primarily as entertainment, Ogun State has masterfully transformed them into a powerful instrument of socioeconomic transformation. The energy, visibility, and financial stimulus generated by the Games are not fleeting; they are laying the groundwork for a new and prosperous economic narrative for the Gateway State.
Governor Abiodun has truly redefined what it means to host a national event. Beyond the grandeur of ceremonies and the thrill of medals, he has delivered something far more enduring to the people of Ogun: opportunity, empowerment, and hope. History will undoubtedly remember him as a builder of futures.
Tayo Mabeweje
Media Consultant to the Executive Governor of Ogun State
