As the commencement date for the 22nd National Sports Festival, known as the Gateway Games Ogun 2025, approaches, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially inaugurated 19 sub-committees to facilitate the successful organization of the event, which is set to take place from May 16 to 30, 2025.

During the inauguration ceremony held today at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, NSC Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, referred to the National Sports Festival as Nigeria's equivalent of the Olympics, serving as a vital platform for identifying, nurturing, and developing the nation's top athletes for international representation.

He recalled that the Main Organising Committee, established by former Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, was given the responsibility of ensuring a smooth and successful festival. Olopade expressed confidence in the capabilities of the individuals appointed to the sub-committees, believing that they will fulfill the objectives of the games.

“I am pleased with the quality of the individuals in the sub-committees and have no doubt that the games will meet the expectations of the Nigerian populace,” he remarked.

He underscored the importance of hosting a festival that garners appreciation both domestically and internationally, asserting that anything less than excellence would be unacceptable.

He urged the committee members to be proactive and dedicated to delivering a flawless event, stating emphatically that “failure is not an option.”

In her earlier comments, Mrs. Thecla Opara, Director of the National Sports Festival and Para-sports Department, expressed her confidence in the sub-committee members' ability to fulfill their duties.

She highlighted that the sub-committees act as the operational backbone of the Main Organising Committee, responsible for executing all necessary tasks to ensure a successful and seamless festival.

Additionally, Deputy Director Patrick Abobi spoke on behalf of the committee.