By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
A RENEWED spirit of national cohesion has emerged at the 22nd National Sports Festival, as Chief Segun Odegbami lauded the Gateway Games 2024 for restoring the founding values of unity and integration that first inspired the competition.
The former Super Eagles forward, now a Grand Sports Ambassador for the event, praised the Ogun State Government’s execution of the festival, highlighting what he described as exceptional logistics, athlete welfare, and infrastructure.
Speaking during a broadcast interview, Odegbami credited Governor Dapo Abiodun’s leadership for setting a new benchmark in the event’s organisation.
Over 12,000 athletes are housed in a single village—an intentional design that Odegbami said reflects the festival’s original vision.
“By the time they leave that place, it is eternal friendship,” he said, describing the shared experience as a powerful tool for national unity.
He also acknowledged the federal government’s effort in enabling youth participation from various states, describing it as vital to ensuring diversity and inclusion at the games.
Recalling his own journey, Odegbami shared how his football career began at the 1973 edition of the same festival when he represented Western State as a student.
He noted that opportunity led to his eventual rise to national and international acclaim.
He was quick to stress that the scope of such a festival extends far beyond competition. “The sporting events—running, jumping—are actually the least of the activities,” he said.
“The real challenge is planning, accommodation, feeding, transport and security.”
Odegbami noted that when such foundational systems are properly in place, the benefits extend beyond sport, contributing to long-term cultural and economic development.
