By Adedotun Ajayi

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday paid a surprise visit to athletes representing the Sunshine State at the 22nd National Sports Festival, currently being held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, delivering a rousing message of encouragement and support.

Speaking to the visibly excited contingent, Aiyedatiwa expressed his delight at seeing the athletes and recalled waving to them during the opening ceremony’s march-past on Sunday.

“We are here to encourage you, to identify with you, and to let you know that we are behind you in every way. I am also praying for you,” he told the team, adding that as a sports lover himself, his administration strongly supports sports development in the state.

He urged the athletes to remain courageous, determined, and fair in their competitions, emphasising that the festival could serve as a launchpad for future sporting careers.

“Some of you—maybe this is where you’ll be discovered for greater performances later in life, where you can make a career out of it,” the governor noted.

Recalling Ondo State’s proud history at the National Sports Festival since its inception in the early 1970s, Governor Aiyedatiwa challenged the team to uphold and surpass the achievements of past generations.

“At some point, Ondo State regularly finished in sixth position; we’ve even come fourth. You must not go below that,” he said.

He encouraged them to challenge strongholds like Delta State, which has consistently finished first in recent years, and the host, Ogun State.

He said, “As the host state, Ogun wants to try so much to win. They want to host and win, but you can change that narrative by putting in your best.

“You will not sustain injury; you will compete in health and strength, and at the end of the day, you will return even better than the way you came. God bless you,” he added.

The official opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival took place on Sunday at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta. The event attracted thousands of athletes, sports officials, and spectators from across Nigeria, underlining the festival’s role as the country’s premier multi-sport event.

Representing President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the unifying power of sports in his address, describing it as a key force that strengthens national cohesion.

He noted that sports have elevated Nigeria’s profile on the global stage and remain a vital tool for national development. He also praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his commitment to hosting the event and, on behalf of the President, formally declared the Gateway Games open.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, the host, welcomed all participating states and dignitaries, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his commitment to sports development under the Renewed Hope Agenda. “We urge athletes to participate with honour and integrity,” the governor said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Wasiu Isiaka, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, expressed the state’s pride in hosting the competition, themed “Gateway Games.”

“This festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of the dreams and aspirations of our youths,” he said.

He therefore encouraged athletes to give their best, describing the festival as a platform to discover true potential.

The festival, which runs from May 16 to 30, features competitions in various sports, including athletics, basketball, swimming, wrestling, and others.