By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting and providing an enabling environment for sports development in Nigeria.

The President spoke while flagging off the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival at the State House, Abuja.

The National Sports Festival, tagged: “The Gateway Games”, will take place in Ogun from May 16 to May 30.

Tinubu described sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for youth engagement, national cohesion and economic growth.

The President urged the public and private sectors to actively contribute to sports development in Nigeria, particularly in infrastructure expansion, talent identification, athlete nurturing and sponsorship of sporting events.

He stressed that enhanced collaboration remained essential for advancing the nation’s sporting potential and ensuring Nigeria remained 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 (FCT).

“Since inception of the national sports festival in 1973, the games had been a veritable vehicle for 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 toward 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.

He recognised the contributions of Nigeria’s sporting legends and paid tribute to Falilat Ogunkoya, Olympic medalist and the National Torch Bearer.

He commended her dedication to promoting unity and sports excellence in Nigeria and Africa.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun said Ogun 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,” the governor said.

He added that as the proud host of the 22nd national sports festival, the state is 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 stones 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.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mr Shehu Dikko, described the festival as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, adding that, for the first time, the commission had invited the best junior athletes in the country to participate under its sponsorship.

He said the young athletes would compete under the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) category, marking a historic inclusion in the festival.

Later, at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Monday Onyeme, the deputy governor of Delta, representing Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, handed over the Festival Torch of Unity to Dikko.

President Tinubu received the torch from Dikko, who in turn, passed it to Mr Bukola Olopade, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, who then entrusted it to Ogunkoya, for its journey across the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma