Gateway Games : President Tinubu flags off Torch of Unity Movement
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja, flagged off the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment for supporting and providing an enabling environment for sports development.
The Sports Festival tagged ‘ Gateway Games’ will take place in Ogun State from May 16-30, 2025.
At the event, President Tinubu described sports as a unifying force and a catalyst of youth engagement, national cohesion and economic growth
He called on the private sector to contribute to Nigeria’s sports development particularly in infrastructure expansion, talent identification, athlete nurturing and sponsorship of sporting events.
The President stressed that enhanced collaboration is essential for advancing the nation”s sporting potential and ensuring Nigeria remains a dominant force in global sports.
He described the Torch of Unity as a symbol of peace, strength and solidarity..
The torch will herald the festival in 36 States of the Federation 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 of the Federation 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 competition of athletic skills; it embodies that unity
strength and resilience that defines us as a nation”, the President said
President Tinubu recognized the contributions of Nigerian sporting legends and paid tribute to Falilat Ogunkoya who is the national torch bearer for the Games.
Governor Dapo Abiodun in his remarks, said Ogun is fully prepared to host a world- class festival, 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.
” As Nelson Mandela once said, Sports can change the world. They aspire and unite people in a way that nothing else can.
” The unity torch as it journeys across the Federation, it’s not merely a symbol of the National Sports Festival but a reflection of our shared aspirations and collective identify.
” As the proud host of the Festival, we’re not only hosting 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 Festival, all our athletes will be housed in a single purpose built facility, ensuring comfort, convenience and camaraderie”, the Governor assured
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the festival as Nigeria’s version of the Olympic, adding that for the first time, the Commission has invited the best junior athletes in the country to participate under it’s sponsorship.
He said these young athletes will compete under the invited junior athletes ( IJA) category, marking a historic inclusion into the festival.
Later, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevnori, handed over the torch to the NSC helmsman, Shehu Dikko who now handed it over to the President .
The President, then passed the torch to the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee of the games, Bukola Olopade, who then entrusted it to Falilat Ogunkoya, the national torch bearer for it’s journey across the Federation.
