The 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, officially kicked off on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The grand opening ceremony was a spectacle of color, culture, and national pride, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling two weeks of sporting excellence.
Team Oyo stood out during the parade of athletes, marching in unity and high spirits alongside contingents from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The event featured captivating performances by renowned artists Asa and Davido, with Asa performing the national and state anthems and Davido energizing the stadium with his musical hits. The ceremony also drew notable dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who declared the Games officially open, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Oyo State quickly announced its arrival on the medal table, thanks to the outstanding performance of weightlifter Tobi Ishola, who won the team’s first medals at the festival. Competing in the 55kg Clean and Jerk category, Ishola secured a silver and a bronze medal, signaling a promising start for Team Oyo in the highly competitive event.
The early success not only boosts the morale of the Oyo State contingent but also reinforces the state’s longstanding commitment to excellence in sports. As the festival progresses, expectations remain high for Team Oyo to continue its impressive showing across multiple events.
The Gateway Games 2024 continue through the end of May, with athletes competing in various disciplines aimed at promoting national unity, talent discovery, and youth empowerment through sports.
