The Federal Government has inaugurated the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) for the hosting of the 22nd Edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged ‘Gateway Games Ogun 2024’ scheduled to take place next year in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh who inaugurated the committee today in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, stated that the inauguration of the MOC was a fallout of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 6, 2023 between the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the Ogun State Government, which signified the commencement of hosting the Sports Festival.
Senator Owan Enoh expressed his confidence in the Ogun State Government and the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) in successfully organizing the National Sports Festival, despite the challenges they face and the limited time available. He acknowledged the enormous task at hand but believes that with the dedication and determination of the MOC members, they will overcome any obstacles.
He also expressed his disappointment in the heavy reliance on the Federal and State Governments for funding the National Sports Festival while highlighting that last year’s festival alone hosted a significant number of athletes, team officials, technical officials, sports federation personnel, and service providers. He emphasized that this dependence on government funding is unacceptable and should not be allowed to continue.
Responding, the Chairman MOC and Permanent Secretary overseeing the Federal Ministries of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar assured that members will bring their wealth of experience to bear in ensuring the successful hosting of the games in line with the policy thrust of the Federal Government.
Also in his remarks shortly after the inauguration ceremony, the Ogun State Commissioner of Sports, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, stated that the state was fully ready to ensure the successful hosting of the sports festival equal to none in recent times.