By Adeyinka Adeniran
No fewer than 320 athlete, 65 coaches and 36 officials will participate in the forthcoming National Sports Festival tagged “Gateway 2025” in Ogun State.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke made the disclosure while addressing the athletes, coaches and sports officers selected for participation in the competition at the main bowl of Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The 22nd National Sports festival is scheduled to hold from 16th to 30th May 2025.
Oyo team will feature in 32 sports consisting of 27 compulsory and five optional sports.
The Commissioner disclosed further that Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the minimum wage of N80,000 for the athletes, coaches and sports officers that are on contract appointments in the state.
She said “This act of magnanimity on the part of Governor Seyi Makinde will not only boost the morale of the athletes but it will also serve as an impetus for them in the forthcoming national festival and subsequent tournaments.”
The Commissioner also pledged on behalf of Oyo State Government that instant rewards will be offered to athletes that secure gold, silver and bronze medals during the competitions stressing that adequate provisions will be provided to make their participation in the competition convenient and memorable.
Adegoke expressed optimism that the athletes will make the state proud considering their level of commitment and preparations. She disclosed further that the Torch of Unity will be presented to the Executive Governor of Oyo State on Tuesday 13th May 2025 to herald the commencement of the festival, create awareness and sensitise members of the public about the national sports fiesta.
Also addressing the State contingent, the Executive Assistant on Sports Development to the Governor charged the athletes to eschew all vices that may dent the good image of Oyo state government stressing that the state will reward athletes that record outstanding performances.
The National Sports Festival will involve all the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The events are scheduled to take place in Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Sagamu and Ikenne.
