The Ogun State government has established a 29-member committee called Team Ogun for the upcoming 22nd National Sports Festival, “Gateway Games 2024.”

The sports event is scheduled to take place from Sunday, January 12, 2025, to Sunday, January 26, 2025.

Wasiu Isiaka, the Commissioner for Sports Development, announced this during the committee’s inauguration at the Sports Hall of the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta, on Friday.

Isiaka noted that the festival, one of the most important events in the national sporting calendar, is aimed at fostering unity among youths in Nigeria, regardless of ethnic, religious and political affiliations.

He disclosed that the hosting right was granted to the state through the efforts of Governor Dapo Abiodun to lay a solid foundation for sports development.

While assuring that the governor would provide the necessary infrastructure, facilities, and accommodation for a befitting festival, he disclosed that government would collaborate with relevant stakeholders, employ modern technologies, and provide top-notch security, and medical services for the safety and well-being of all athletes, coaches and officials.

The commissioner stated that the committee is saddled with the responsibility of overseeing a seamless, hitch-free festival for the 36 states of the federation and FCT and steering the affairs of the event. He urged members to bring their wealth of experience, and expertise to bear towards achieving a world-class festival.

“The committee would work with me as Commissioner to prepare and present a formidable team that is capable of representing the Gateway State in the various sports,” he said.

The committee comprises great sportsmen and women, sports administrators of high repute, media practitioners and technocrats, among whom were Chief Falilat Ogunkoya, Prince Tunji Onatolu, Alh. Ganiu Majekodunmi, Mr. Adesola Faleti and Biodun Alabi, among others.

Responding on behalf of other committee members, Tunji Onatolu expressed appreciation to the state government for giving them the opportunity to serve and promised to assiduously work to ensure a hitch-free festival.