By Egena Sunday Ode
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, flagged off the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting and providing an enabling environment for sports development.
The sports festival tagged the Gateway Games, will take place in Ogun State from May 16 to May 30.
President Tinubu described sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for youth engagement, national cohesion, and economic growth.
The President called on the public and private sectors to actively contribute to Nigerian sports development, particularly in infrastructure expansion, talent identification, athlete nurturing, and sponsorship of sporting events.
He stressed that enhanced collaboration is essential for advancing the nation’s sporting potential and ensuring Nigeria remains a dominant force in global sports.
The President described the Torch of Unity as a symbol of peace, strength, and solidarity.
The torch will herald the festival by travelling through all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Since the inception of the National Sports Festival in 1973, the games have been a veritable vehicle for the interaction and integration of our young sportsmen and women.
“This festival provides a platform for all states and the FCT to showcase their sporting prowess under healthy competition, sportsmanship and friendly interaction to enhance and strengthen national unity.
“The games represent much more than just a competition of athletic skill; they embody the unity, strength, and resilience that define us as a nation.
“Every step we take together towards the festival is not merely an act of preparation for a sporting event, but a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to national building through sports,” the President stated.
The President recognised the contributions of Nigeria’s sporting legends and paid tribute to Olympic medalist and the National Torch Bearer, Falilat Ogunkoya.
He commended her dedication to promoting unity and sports excellence in Nigeria and Africa.
Governor Dapo Abiodun said Ogun State is fully prepared to host a world-class event, welcoming over 10,000 athletes in a festival designed to set new records.
He noted that elite Nigerian athletes such as Anthony Joshua and Tobi Amusan would grace the occasion, further reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a global sporting powerhouse.
“As Nelson Mandela once said, sports can change the world. They can inspire and unite people in a way that little else can.
“The unity torch, as it journeys across the Federation, is not merely a symbol of the forthcoming games but a reflection of our shared aspirations and collective identity.
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