Vendors reap economic gains from Gateway Games 2024
Food vendors and other small business owners are enjoying a significant economic boost from the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged the Gateway Games 2024, which has firmly placed Ogun State on the global sporting map.
From the bustling MKO Abiola Sports Complex to the Alake Sports Centre and the Babcock University Hostel, commercial activities have taken over nearly every available space. The vibrant business environment underscores the economic benefits of hosting a major sporting event like the National Sports Festival.
For the Ogun State government, the festival has already proven financially rewarding, with vendors contributing several millions of naira in fees to the state’s coffers.
One food vendor, popularly known as Mama Ibeji, shared her experience:
‘In the last four days, business has been booming, especially since Wednesday when most of the state contingents arrived in Abeokuta. Initially, when we started operations on Sunday, May 18, there were few customers. But by Tuesday, things picked up significantly. We hope events like this continue to come to Ogun so we can keep supporting our families.’
However, not all vendors have seen immediate success. A jewellery seller from Lagos expressed concern over slow sales but remained optimistic:
‘I’ve participated in the last three National Sports Festivals—in Abuja, Rivers, and Edo—and Ogun is no different. Business usually starts slow, but it picks up toward the end when athletes receive their allowances. I’m confident we won’t leave Ogun without making a profit.’
As the festival progresses, vendors are hopeful that the influx of athletes, officials, and spectators will continue to drive sales, reinforcing the broader economic impact of sports tourism in the region.
