The 22nd National Sports Festival, originally scheduled for January 2025, has been postponed once again. The event will now take place from May 16 to May 30, 2025, in Ogun State. This festival, known as the “Gateway Games, Ogun 2024,” was originally set to occur in November 2024, but a series of delays led to the new rescheduled dates.

Ogun State had won the bid to host the festival in December 2022, but issues with preparation and unforeseen challenges forced the event to be delayed. Governor Dapo Abiodun had previously reassured the public in October 2024 that facilities like the MKO Abiola Stadium and Ijeja Sports Centre were being renovated in time for the festival. However, despite these efforts, the festival’s dates needed to be adjusted once again.

A Joint Technical meeting, held in Abeokuta, decided to move the event to May 2025 to allow more time for proper preparation. The meeting also confirmed that the Zonal Eliminations for Team Sports will be held from February 23 to 28, 2025, ahead of the main festival.

Wasiu Isiaka, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Sports, expressed his approval of the decision. He noted that the extra time would help improve the state’s readiness and ensure the festival is a success, setting a high standard for future events.