Ogun State is set to receive the National Sports Festival’s Torch of Unity on Thursday, ahead of the official start of the games in Abeokuta on Friday, May 16.

The Torch, which has toured all states across the federation—including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja—concluded its nationwide journey on Tuesday in Oyo State.

Ogun’s Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, confirmed that a brief ceremony will be held at the Sagamu Interchange to mark the torch’s arrival.

“We are expecting the Torch of Unity on Thursday, and it will be received with a formal ceremony at the Sagamu Interchange ahead of the start of the games on Friday,” Isiaka told our correspondent.

The Torch of Unity was officially flagged off by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, March 26, in Abuja, before beginning its tour across the states of the federation.

At the flag-off ceremony, President Tinubu described sports as a powerful unifying force and a vital tool for youth engagement, national unity, and economic development.

In anticipation of the 2024 National Sports Festival, tagged the Gateway Games, the Ogun State Government has pledged to host the most remarkable edition in the 52-year history of the multi-sports event.

“We are not just ready—we are determined to deliver the best National Sports Festival Nigeria has ever seen,” Isiaka said during the media tour of key venues, including the MKO Sports Complex and the Alake Sports Centre, which will host indoor games and handball competitions.

“The facilities speak for themselves. We are working around the clock to ensure every necessary structure is firmly in place. From infrastructure to logistics, we’re leaving no stone unturned.”

More than 15,000 athletes are expected to participate in the 2024 National Sports Festival, competing in both individual and team events that will feature a total of 549 contests and 2,150 medals.

Widely regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, this year’s edition is set to be one of the largest in the festival’s history, with 626 gold, 626 silver, and 898 bronze medals available.

A key highlight of NSF 2024 is the introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes category, which provides young talents the chance to compete alongside seasoned athletes and showcase their skills on a national platform.