_New initiative, Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) to compete as 38th state
The Joint Technical Committee for the 22nd National Sports Festival, Ogun 2024, has approved an adjustment of the Games’ dates to allow the Games reflect the new direction of sports in the country and also provide more time for the implementation of recommendations made during the joint technical meeting.
According to a communiqué jointly signed by the Director General of the National Sports Commission/Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, Hon. Adebukola Olopade, and the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, Ogun State, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, the Gateway Games will now take place from May 16 to 30, 2025. Additionally, the zonal eliminations for team sports are scheduled to hold from February 23 to 28, 2025.
During the deliberations, the committee commended the Federal Government for its political will to develop sports in Nigeria through the creation of a dedicated Commission to manage sports affairs. They also lauded the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun, MFR, as well as the Government and the good people of Ogun State, for their warm reception, hospitality, and commitment to successfully hosting and organizing the 22nd National Sports Festival.
Commendations were also extended to Chief Kunle Soname and the management of Babcock University for their support towards the organization of the Games.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Hon. Olopade explained that “in the spirit of the new definition of sports organization in Nigeria, creating an ecosystem of economic sustainability by Mr President, there was a need to push it forward to capture all of those elements together, he said.” “This would also get the Commission to settle down properly. We’re excited for the new date and the extra five months to put everything together and show the whole country what capacity is all about.”
Explaining the new initiative coming the 2024 NSF, Hon. Olopade said “when you think about the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative, where young promising athletes will compete as a 38th state, it is a promising move towards fostering development of our best young talents and it’s happening for the first time in the history of the Games.”
“It’s a strategy to empower young and promising talents, and create a pathway for them to be exposed at the top level. These athletes will compete against established athletes hoping to upset the status quo. It speaks to the core of what President Tinubu has asked of us to do,” the DG concluded.
The 1st Joint Technical Meeting for the 22nd National Sports Festival took place on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Banquet Hall, Mitros Residence and Suites, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The meeting was preceded by a technical assessment and inspection of the proposed venues and facilities for the Games, conducted by all major stakeholders present at the Joint Technical Meeting.
As part of the resolutions, it was agreed that a 2nd Joint Technical Meeting and Inspection Visit would be necessary to ensure that all observed issues have been adequately addressed ahead of the Games.
