Traditional leaders at the National Sports Festival, Delta State, have further extended their leadership on the medals table. After trailing behind Bayelsa State in the opening three days, Delta State restored the old order and took a narrow lead over Bayelsa on Friday.

But as at the close of events on Saturday, they have extended the gap significantly. Delta State have made a podium appearance 84 times as against 71 by Bayelsa.

Delta State’s 84 medals comprise 41 gold, 14 silver and 21 bronze medals.

The live medals table is HERE

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Former African champion Dorcas Adesokan inspired host state Ogun to a commanding victory in the badminton event at the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024.

Adesokan was instrumental in Ogun State’s dominance, contributing to all three gold medals that secured the top spot for the state.

Ogun finished ahead of Oyo and Niger States, who claimed second and third places respectively. Oyo earned two gold medals while Niger won one gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.

Adesokan showcased her class by clinching the women’s singles title, teaming up with Asisat Ilori to win the women’s doubles, and playing a pivotal role in Ogun’s triumph in the team event.

Rivers State’s sole gold medal came through Victor Ikechukwu, who defeated Niger’s Aliyu Shehu in the men’s singles final. Oyo’s gold medals were secured in the men’s team and mixed doubles events.

Reflecting on her final appearance at the National Sports Festival, Adesokan attributed her success to rigorous preparation and urged young players to aim higher.

“This performance is the result of hard work and dedication. I hope upcoming players stay committed and strive to conquer Africa and the world,” she said.

The tournament featured over 240 athletes—156 men and 87 women—from 35 states, competing across seven events.

Veteran star Oby Solaja, a seven-time African women’s champion and 10-time Nigerian national champion, praised the standard of play and highlighted Adesokan’s influence.

“I’m thrilled by the level of competition. Players like Adesokan continue to raise the bar, and our young talents still have a lot to learn. Ogun deserves credit for hosting a fantastic event.

“I hope some of these emerging stars will soon represent Nigeria on the international stage,” said Solaja, who is also a board member of the Nigeria Badminton Federation.

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Food vendors and other small business owners are enjoying a significant economic boost from the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged the Gateway Games 2024, which has firmly placed Ogun State on the global sporting map.

Commercial activities have taken over nearly every available space from the bustling MKO Abiola Sports Complex to the Alake Sports Centre and the Babcock University Hostel. The vibrant business environment underscores the economic benefits of hosting a major sporting event like the National Sports Festival.

Economic boom for citizens as Gateway Games provides an avenue for brisk business.

For the Ogun State government, the festival has already proven financially rewarding, with vendors contributing several millions of naira in fees to the state’s coffers.

One food vendor, popularly known as Mama Ibeji, shared her experience:

“In the last four days, business has been booming, especially since Wednesday, when most of the state contingents arrived in Abeokuta. Initially, when we started operations on Sunday, May 18, there were few customers. But by Tuesday, things picked up significantly. We hope events like this continue to come to Ogun State so we can keep supporting our families.”

However, not all vendors have seen immediate success. A jewellery seller from Lagos expressed concern over slow sales but remained optimistic:

“I’ve participated in the last three National Sports Festivals—in Abuja, Rivers, and Edo—and Ogun is no different. Business usually starts slow, but it picks up toward the end when athletes receive their allowances. I’m confident we won’t leave Ogun State without making a profit.”

As the festival progresses, vendors are hopeful that the influx of athletes, officials, and spectators will continue to drive sales. This trend reinforces the broader economic impact of sports tourism in the region.

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