Enugu State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, has promised that the Coal City Games will raise the standard of the National Sports Festival, as they take the baton from the hosts of the 22nd edition, Ogun State.
The 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games 2024 came to a thrilling end on Thursday with a closing ceremony at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, where the official handing over of the hosting rights to Enugu State was performed.
While addressing journalists before the ceremony, the Enugu sports commissioner noted that the state had taken necessary cues from the Gateway Games 2024, as they continue to prepare towards the next edition.
“Ogun State has done a fantastic job in putting the Nigerian sports sector in good light, showcasing what Nigeria is capable of when it comes to organisation and meeting international standards,” he said.
“As far as Enugu State hosting the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival is concerned, we are getting ready.
“We have been here and we have taken this opportunity to look at what Ogun State has done.
“It’s been smooth sailing in all ramifications. They’ve done a great job and we have taken this opportunity to study how it is done and we can assure you that you should expect a better sports festival in Enugu State.”
He stressed that the Enugu State Government has set the ball rolling for what will be a spectacular outing in terms of ceremonies as well.
“If you know anything about the Governor of Enugu State, it should be that he is a man of excellence. We will be more than ready when the time comes to host Nigeria.
“The goal is to outdo what Ogun State has done. The opening ceremony was beautiful and we aim to beat it. Indeed, any state hosting the subsequent National Sports Festival should aim to outdo the last one.”
The commissioner also added that athletes and officials will also enjoy the pleasure of the state’s historic tourist attractions.
“There are lots of tourist attractions with a lot of cultural displays that the people will enjoy when they come.”
Delta State emerged as the winners of the 2024 National Sports Festival, topping the table for their fifth successive title and ninth overall with 109 gold, 75 silver and 87 bronze medals.
