At least six athletes have been disqualified from competing at the 22nd National Sports Festival, which is currently taking place in Ogun State.

According to a press statement by Dr Kehinde Ajayi, the Director of Press at the National Sports Commission, the action was a sequel to the commission’s anti-doping stance.

The NSC cautioned that registered athletes with antidoping issues cannot compete for scoring medals.

The NSC made it clear after a strategic joint meeting of the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee of the Games on Monday.

The commission announced that this is in line with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade charged all the participating states to take note of this and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every athlete competes very clean.

” The issue of antidoping is one important mandate of the Commission to ensure that Nigeria is devoid of drug problems at both domestic and international competitions.

” We are happy now that the National antidoping law has finally been passed by our Sports-loving President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the ripple effect of such a landmark feat must swiftly be felt in our Sports, starting with the current Sports Festival”, he stated.

The following athletes have therefore been listed to have doping issues and cannot compete for medals at the Games.

1. Marcus Okon representing Akwa Ibom state in Para Athletics

2. Ayabeke David Opeyemi representing Bayelsa state in Gymnastics

3. Kareem Shukurat representing Lagos state in kickboxing

4. Omole Dolapo Joshua, representing Bayelsa state in kickboxing

5. Ogunsemilore Cynthia, representing Bayelsa state in kickboxing

6. Animashaun Sofia representing Lagos state in Para powerlifting

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It’s been over 24 hours, but the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta is still vibrating.

The stadium came alive on the 19th of May, 2025, as Ogun State hosted the grand opening ceremony of the Gateway Games 2024. The event, which began the multi-sport festival, brought together athletes, officials, and spectators for a night of celebration, culture, and sportsmanship.

The Gateway Games opened with a fast-moving, colourful, and hypnotic show that ticked every box from sports to culture. The ceremony continued with the arrival of officials and dignitaries, including Governor Dapo Abiodun and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Power-packed assembly

The stadium was filled with excitement as spectators filled the stands, cheering in anticipation. Opening performances followed. A combined band of musicians and cultural troupes grabbed the audience from the first beat. The cultural troupes delivered mesmerizing dances, while the musicians set the stage for an unforgettable night.

Asa took the mood higher, delivering both the National Anthem and the Ogun State Anthem with her signature smooth control, and left the audience in awe.

Excitement galore!

The Loud City Choir stepped in next to sing the Games’ official theme song. The parade demonstration from each State followed this. The parade saw all 36 states march in colorful attire. Highlights included Ogun and Edo’s yellow and red ensembles, respectively.

The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr. Shehu Dikko, and the director general of NSC, Mr. Bukola Olapade, emphasized the games’ significance.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Wasiu Isiaka, highlighted the state’s commitment to athletic excellence.

The Vice President of Nigeria, representing the president, Kashim Shettima, and the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, both championed youth, unity, and the start of the fantastic games.

What a starry night!

Finally, superstar Davido brought the stadium down with an electrifying performance, a sign that the games have started at a volume we can’t turn down.

With thrilling performances, inspiring speeches, and an outpouring of state pride, the opening ceremony signals a powerful and energetic start to the Games’ two-week run.

Follow the following handles for the latest updates on the ongoing games:

IG: @thegatewaygames24

Facebook: Gateway Games

X: @gatewaygames_24

Supporting the Scientific Conference at the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, aligns with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS)’s objective of fostering a viable sports economy in Nigeria.

According to Professor Ayo Omotayo, Director General of NIPSS, developing a robust sports economy is consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that this goal forms part of the presidential mandate to the leadership of the newly reconstituted National Sports Commission (NSC).

Professor Omotayo emphasized that this marks the beginning of a strategic partnership with the NSC to build a sustainable and impactful sports economy in the country.

He also underscored the importance of sound policy formulation and effective implementation within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem to avoid policy inconsistencies.

He further stated that the sports sector, as a key component of the creative economy, must be empowered to make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

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