Tinubu flags off Torch of Unity Movement, reaffirms commitment to sports devt
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday in Abuja, flagged off the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for sports development in the country. The sports festival, tagged the Gateway Games, is scheduled to be held between May 16 and 20 2025, in […]
From left: Chairman, National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko; former Ogun State Governor, Segun Osoba; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun during the flag off of the movement of the Torch of Unity for the 22nd National Sports Festival (Gateway Games Ogun State 2024) held at the State House Abuja yesterday
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday in Abuja, flagged off the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for sports development in the country.
The sports festival, tagged the Gateway Games, is scheduled to be held between May 16 and 20 2025, in Ogun State.
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 contribute to Nigerian sports development, particularly in infrastructure expansion, talent identification, athlete nurturing, and sponsorship of sporting events, stressing 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.
“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.
“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 said.
The President recognised the contributions of Nigeria’s sporting legends and paid tribute to Olympic medallist and the National Torch Bearer, Falilat Ogunkoya.
On his part, 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 the proud host of the 22nd National Sports Festival, we are not only ready to host over 10,000 athletes and officials but also to warmly welcome guests and supporters from every corner of the Federation.
“For the first time in the history of the National Sports Festival, all our athletes will be housed within a single purpose-built facility, ensuring comfort, convenience and camaraderie.
“Our facilities are ready, our people are enthusiastic, and our athletes are prepared to showcase the best Nigerian sporting talent to the world,” he said.
The NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, called the National Sports Festival Nigeria’s Olympics and introduced the Invited Junior Athletes category. Delta’s deputy governor, Monday Onyeme, representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwor handed the Festival Torch to Dikko, who passed it to President Tinubu, then to Hon. Bukola Olopade, and finally to Torch Bearer Falilat Ogunkoya for nationwide relay.