President Bola Tinubu has commended the Ogun State Government for hosting a world-class National Sports Festival, as the 22nd edition of the multi-sport event ended in Abeokuta on Thursday, The PUNCH reports.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, was joined by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, and other top government functionaries within and outside the host state for the closing ceremony at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.

The event marked the end of a non-stop 12 days of competition in Abeokuta and other designated venues for the games.

The President also hailed the spirit of the athletes who lit up the state from May 16 to May 30.

“As an athlete, if you have competed at this event, know that you have been discovered. Your presence reaffirms the unity and collaborative federalism that underpins our national strength.

“Your zeal has contributed to the success of this world-class event hosted by Ogun State.

“I hereby, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the people of this state, I declare the 22nd National Sports Festival officially closed.”

Governor Abiodun also thanked the Federal government and the National Sports Commission for entrusting the state with the hosting rights.

“It has taken an entire state united in purpose to deliver an experience that our nation will not forget in a hurry.

“To our athletes, you are all champions, you have not only completed, you have inspired and embodied the true essence of sports where excellence meets honour and discipline meets grace.”

About 10,000 athletes from the 36 states of Nigeria, plus the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and the Invited Junior Athletes, competed for medals at the Gateway Games 2024.

At the end of the games, Delta State reigned supreme as the winners for the fifth consecutive time and ninth time overall.

Enugu State will host the next edition of the games in 2026.