President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, flagged off the movement of the torch of unity ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival (Gateway Games Ogun State 2025), holding from May 16 to May 30, 2025.
Tinubu lit the torch at the forecourt of the State House, Abuja, at about 02:15 pm when he received a delegation of the National Sports Commission.
The President said his administration is committed to nation-building “through sports by providing incentives for sports development that all levels.”
He urges public and private sector players to continue playing their roles in promoting unity through sporting events.
The National Sports Festival, Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event, is meant to foster unity and promote grassroots sports development nationwide.
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 sporting disciplines.
“It serves as a platform for talent discovery, national cohesion, and preparation for international competitions,” the National Sports Commission says.
A symbolic tradition of the NSF is the movement of the Torch of Unity, which marks the build-up to the festival.
The torch is typically ignited in a ceremonial event and then taken on a nationwide tour, passing through all participating states.
The relay-style movement signifies peace, solidarity, and the collective spirit of sportsmanship that the festival represents.
The journey of the Torch of Unity culminates at the host state of the National Sports Festival, where it is received during the opening ceremony.
The arrival of the torch officially signals the commencement of the games.
Details later…
