President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the movement of the Torch of Unity in preparation for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, set to take place in Ogun State in 2025.
The grand event, dubbed the Gateway Games, will be held from May 16 to May 30, 2025, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s rich sporting tradition.
The flag-off ceremony occurred at the forecourt of the State House in Abuja at around 2:15 p.m. when President Tinubu welcomed a delegation from the National Sports Commission. With a symbolic lighting of the torch, the President kickstarted the countdown to the festival, which will bring together athletes from across the country to compete in various sporting disciplines.
In his speech, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to using sports as a tool for nation-building, emphasizing the government’s resolve to continue providing incentives for sports development at all levels, while ensuring that Nigerian athletes have the opportunities and resources they need to excel.
He further urged both the public and private sectors to increase their involvement in promoting sports, stressing the role of unity in strengthening the nation through athletic excellence.
“Sports serve as a unifying force for Nigerians, and we must continue to invest in this sector for the future of our youth and our nation,” President Tinubu stated during the ceremony. “We call on all stakeholders to support this vision and help make the 22nd National Sports Festival a success.”
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko noted that the Sports festival creates an opportunity for Nigerian athletes to showcase their talents on a national stage. He emphasized that the event is a demonstration of the country’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence, with a focus on developing young athletes and promoting healthy competition.
The ceremony was also attended by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose state will serve as the host for the upcoming National Sports.
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