Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday bade over 10,000 athletes, coaches and spectators at the National Sports Festival(NSF) hosted by Ogun State goodbye and safe journey to their respective states, urging them to keep alive the flame of unity and national pride that was ignited through the festival.

The festival tagged Gateway Games Ogun 2024 which was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 18, witnessed 38 teams cutting across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory participating, with Team Delta declared overall winner of the games.

Obasanjo described it as more than a festival of sports, saying it had been a triumph of unity, display of talents and show of national unity over the past two weeks as Nigeria’s sons and daughters drawn from every region and creed competed not just for medals, but for honour abs to make friends.

According to him, the NSF in Ogun indicated an unyielding hope of a strong, united and prosperous nation.

The elder statesman spoke while making his remarks at the closing ceremony of the 22nd Edition of the National Sports Festival, commending governor Dapo Abiodun for his leadership, commitment and unwavering dedication towards delivering not just a festival, but also a legacy.

Obasanjo said Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun used the events to showcase to the world the strength, capacity, and hospitality of Ogun State, even as He also described it as a world-class event in every measure, and raising the standard for all to follow in future.

He said: “To the 36 States of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory and the invited junior teams, 38 teams in total, I salute your courage and sportsmanship. Your participation has reminded us that in every young Nigerian lies capacity for greatness and ability to excel. As you go home, please keep the memories and remember that you are all champions, not only of sports, but of unity, diligence, resilience and national pride.”

“To the National Sports Commission, the main Organising Committee, the Local Organising Committees, our partners, and the thousands of volunteers who gave their time and talent to bring the dream to reality, thank you all. You have not only organized a festival; you have provided for us proud and exciting moments in our national life and a firm foundation for the future.”

He added: “As someone who has walked the lanes of leadership and who has always believed in Nigeria’s boundless potential, I urge all of you not to let the flame kindled here in Ogun go dim. Let it burn in our schools, our communities, our institutions and in every young heart determined to contribute to the Nigeria that we must have – a glorious land flowing with milk and honey for the good of all.

“And as we bid farewell, I wish each of you a safe journey back to your States, cities and places of abode. May you travel in peace and return home telling the story of Gateway Games in Ogun State.

“May the flame we lit here continue to shine across the land. May Nigeria remain strong and become prosperous. May our youth remain inspired and empowered.

May our unity endure. And may all our efforts build the Nigeria we must have “ he added