President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja flagged off the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival—the Gateway Games—which will be held in Ogun State from May 16 to 30, 2025.

At the brief ceremony held at the forecourt of the State House, Abuja, President 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 actively contribute to Nigerian sports development, particularly in infrastructure expansion, talent identification, athlete nurturing and sponsorship of sporting events.

The torch will herald the festival by traveling through all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“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,” the President stated.

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

Meanwhile, 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.

Abiodun said, “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.”

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, Shehu Dikko.

President Tinubu received the torch from Dikko, who in turn passed it to the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Bukola Olopade, who then entrusted it to Falilat Ogunkoya, the National Torch Bearer, for its journey across the country.

By Stephen Angbulu