From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday officially flagged off the Torch of Unity movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival, set to take place in Ogun State from May 16 to May 30, 2025.
At a ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President described sports as a unifying force and a key driver of youth engagement, national cohesion, and economic growth.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the
Torch of Unity, a symbolic tradition of the festival, will travel across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, signifying peace, solidarity, and sportsmanship.
Tinubu stressed his administration’s commitment to fostering sports development through infrastructure expansion, talent identification, and sponsorship. He urged both public and private sectors to actively support these efforts.
The President highlighted the festival’s role in promoting unity and preparing athletes for international competitions. “This festival is not just about athletic skill; it embodies our unity, strength, and resilience as a nation,” Tinubu said.
He said: “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,” he stated.
He also honoured Olympic medalist Falilat Ogunkoya as the National Torch Bearer and extended his best wishes to the Super Eagles in their World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State assured that preparations are in top gear to host over 10,000 athletes in a world-class event. He noted that elite athletes like Anthony Joshua and Tobi Amusan would attend, showcasing Nigeria’s sporting excellence. For the first time in the festival’s history, all athletes will be housed in a single purpose-built facility.
“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.
“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 sporting infrastructure meets international standards, and we have left no stone unturned in delivering a festival that will set new records in organisation, participation and excellence.
“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.
Abiodun thanked President Tinubu for ensuring peace in Nigeria, emphasising that “without peace, there will be no sports festival.”
He commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigerian Olympic Committee, and all stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the forthcoming festival.
The Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, described the National Sports Festival as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, adding that, for the first time, the Commission has invited the best junior athletes in the country to participate under its sponsorship.
He said these young athletes will compete under the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) category, marking a historic inclusion in the festival.
Later, at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, the deputy governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme, representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, handed over the Festival Torch of Unity to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko.
President Tinubu received the torch from Dikko, who in turn passed it to the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, Bukola Olopade, who then entrusted it to Falilat Ogunkoya, the National Torch Bearer, for its journey across the country.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, described the festival as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics. He announced the inclusion of junior athletes under a new category called Invited Junior Athletes (IJA), marking a historic milestone for youth participation.
The ceremony concluded with the passing of the Torch of Unity from Delta State representatives to NSC officials and then to Ogunkoya, signaling its nationwide journey ahead of the games.