Tinubu lights Unity Torch ahead of National Sports Festival
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday flagged off the movement of the Torch of Unity ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival, known as the Gateway Games Ogun State 2025.
The festival is scheduled to take place from May 16 to May 30, 2025.
Tinubu lit the torch at the forecourt of the State House, Abuja, at about 2:15 p.m. while receiving a delegation from the National Sports Commission.
The event was attended by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose state will host the festival, as well as former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nation-building through sports, stating, “We will continue to provide incentives for sports development at all levels.”
He urged both public and private sector stakeholders to actively support sporting events as a means of fostering national unity.
The National Sports Festival, Nigeria’s premier multi-sport competition, aims to promote grassroots sports development and national integration.
Established in 1973 after the civil war, the festival brings together athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to compete in various disciplines. “It serves as a platform for talent discovery, national cohesion, and preparation for international competitions,” the National Sports Commission stated.
