Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, described the just concluded 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival held in Ogun State as a triumph of unity and display of talents among athletes of the 36 states of the Federation to bond for national unity.
Obasanjo said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Thursday night by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, shortly after the closing ceremony of the two-week Gateway Games 2024.
He said that the sports festival provided the platform where Nigerians drawn from different regions of the country were able to come together to compete for honour and gold medals, as well as making new friends to build a stronger relationship for a more united nation.
The two-term civilian president, who said he was physically present at the opening of the event, said he watched the various sporting games that took place
at the event in the comfort of his room.
He thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun for the 2024 Gateway Games, particularly his leadership style in steering the affairs of Ogun State as well as his unwavering dedication in making the sports festival not just a reality but a legacy in the state.
The ex-president, who also appreciated the National Sports Commission, the main Organising Committee, and the Local Organising Committees, talents and volunteers at the festival, bade the participants and athletes farewell to their respective states and destinations.
He urged all of the participants and individuals to extend the festival’s flames to their various schools, communities and institutions, while admonishing the youth to endeavour to contribute their quota for the betterment of Nigeria
Obasanjo said, “Distinguished athletes, esteemed officials,
cherished guests and fellow Nigerians,
My name is Olusegun Obasanjo, OBJ to many. I address you tonight at the behest of our Governor in Ogun State, H.E. Prince Dapo Abiodun, and I regard it as an honour. I perform this task not only as a former Head of State but also as a happy and proud son of Ogun State. I was physically here with you at the colourful, glorious and inspiring Opening Ceremony.
“And what a spectacle! I watched some of the events in the comfort of my room. Indeed, Gateway Games Ogun 2024 has been more than a festival of sports – it has been a triumph of unity, display of talents and show of national unity. Over these past two weeks, we have watched Nigeria’s sons and daughters drawn from every region and creed compete not just for medals, but for honour, to make friends and for indicating unyielding hope of a strong and united country.”
He added, “To our Governor, H.E. Prince Dapo Abiodun, once again, I offer my deepest and great personal appreciation. Your leadership, commitment and unwavering dedication have delivered not just a festival, but also a legacy. You have shown the world the strength, capacity, and hospitality of Ogun State.
“This was a world-class event in every measure and you have raised the standard for all to follow in future. To the 36 States of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory and the invited junior teams, 38 teams in total, I salute your courage and sportsmanship. Your participation has reminded us that in every young Nigerian lies capacity for greatness and ability to excel. As you go home, please keep the memories and remember that you are all champions, not only of sports, but of unity, diligence, resilience and national pride.
“To the National Sports Commission, the main Organising Committee, the Local Organising Committees, our partners, and the thousands of volunteers who gave their time and talent to bring the dream to reality, thank you all. You have not only organised a festival; you have provided for us proud and exciting moments in our national life and a firm foundation for the future.”
The former president further said, “As someone who has walked the lanes of leadership and who has always believed in Nigeria’s boundless potential, I urge all of you not to let the flame kindled here in Ogun go dim. Let it burn in our schools, our communities, our institutions and in every young heart determined to contribute to the Nigeria that we must have – a glorious land flowing with milk and honey for the good of all.
“And now, as we bid farewell, I wish each of you a safe journey back to your States, cities and places of abode. May you travel in peace and return home telling the story of Gateway Games in Ogun State. May the flame we lit here continue to shine across the land. May Nigeria remain strong and become prosperous.May our youth remain inspired and empowered. May our unity endure. And may all our efforts build the Nigeria we must have. Goodbye. E de ’le layo.”
