Gateway Games 2024: Opening ceremony highlights

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00:00Welcome to the 22nd National Sports Festival, the Gateway

00:04Games 2024. Ogle State is hosting the 22nd National

00:09Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2025 and it

00:15officially kicked off in grand style yesterday. Ladies and

00:20gentlemen, it's indeed a pleasure for me to stand before

00:24you this evening as the proud governor of the state boasting

00:31this very esteemed festival. Today marks a defining moment in the

00:37lustrous legacy of National Sports Festival in our great

00:42nation. As we gather here, we celebrate not only the

00:46ideal spirit of sportsmanship, but also unity, resilience, and the

00:53potential that lie within the vibrant energy of our youth.

00:59But this isn't just a sporting event. The National Sports

01:04Festival is Nigeria's most unifying celebration, bringing

01:08together all 36 states in a powerful display of talent,

01:13resilience, and national pride.

01:18The opening celebration was more than a ceremony. It was a

01:23vibrant showcase of culture, unity, and the heartbeat of a

01:29nation. The stands of MKO Abiola Stadium in Abelkuta were

01:35parked. The energy? Electric as thousands of athletes

01:40matched here, ready to compete, connect, and carry the touch of

01:45their state. A high profile guest list added to the

01:49occasion. Vice President Kashin Shatima declared the festival

01:55officially open. It is my singular honor and privilege to

02:01relish and cherish forever. To on behalf of

02:05President Kashin Shatima declared the 22nd National Sports Festival

02:15officially open.

02:18Joined by an extraordinary line-up of dignitaries, including

02:23former President Olusego Obasanjo, Nobel laureate Professor Wale Shoyinka,

02:29and State Governors Tau Soludo, Hope Uzo Dima, Ademola Adeleke, and

02:36Ousmane Ododo. Ogun's political icons were front and center too.

02:42Deputy Governor Moni Sade Afuye, former Speaker Dimeji Bankole, and past

02:48Governors Olusego Oshoba and Benga Daniel. The ceremony opened with a

02:54dazzling match past and soared into a cultural explosion, featuring

03:00traditional drummers, dancers, and a rich celebration of Nigerian heritage.

03:13Then, the music took over. Devido lit up the stadium with a signature energy.

03:20And Asha delivered a soulful, unforgettable rendition of both the National and Ogun State

03:45Alumni Annabelle extracts Outfeats.

03:53Bye.

04:06Bye.

04:09One of the night's most powerful moments, the unveiling of the official theme song,

04:25a moving anthem that echoes unity and sets the tone for the days ahead.

04:39Delta State leads the medal hopefuls with the largest delegation, 753 athletes, followed

05:03closely by Ogu with 725, then Edo, Bayelza, and Lagos.

05:12On the other end, Bainwright State recorded minimal representation.

05:18Delta's dominance remains the one to beat, having claimed eight of the last ten additions

05:24including recent wins in 2012, 2018, 2021, and 2022.

05:33But now, all eyes are on Ogu, hosting the festival for the second time, under the leadership of

05:40Governor Dapo, Abiodun.

05:43The Gateway Games 2025 runs from May 16th to May 30th, and if this opening night was anything

05:52to go by, we are in for something truly unforgettable.

05:57Stay tuned with us for full coverage and daily updates from the festival.

06:03Thanks for watching.

06:04Thanks for watching.

06:05We believe in my hero, and we know we don't get there, we'll call the hell, we'll defend

06:22our land.

06:24We believe in my hero, and I promise you all.

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