The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, officially received the Torch of Unity for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, set to take place in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th, 2025. The ceremony, which was held at the FCT Minister’s office in Abuja, marks the beginning of the torch’s journey to all 36 states of Nigeria, a tradition symbolizing unity, strength, and sportsmanship ahead of the prestigious event.
The Torch of Unity is an iconic part of the National Sports Festival, which aims to bring together athletes from across Nigeria in a spirit of competition and unity. The festival has long been recognized as a platform not only to showcase athletic talent but also to promote national unity and solidarity among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
Representing Minister Wike at the ceremony was the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi. Amadi received the symbolic torch from FCT athletes and officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC), following the torch’s official inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The torch will now travel to every state in Nigeria, including Ogun State, the host state for the 2025 National Sports Festival, where the games will be held later this year.
During the event, Minister Wike expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the torch’s journey, including the Mandate Secretary for the FCT Youth Secretariat, Hon. Abdullahi Ango, and the members of the National Sports Commission. He emphasized that the National Sports Festival plays a crucial role in promoting national unity through sports and that this year’s edition would be no different.
“The National Sports Festival has always been a platform to foster unity across our great nation, and I am pleased that we are once again coming together to celebrate excellence in sports,” Wike stated. He encouraged athletes and coaches to focus on achieving greatness in the competition, urging the athletes to represent the FCT with pride and determination.
“Our athletes and coaches, you are here to represent the Federal Capital Territory. Your Minister is a man who is committed to accomplishments and performance,” Wike said. “You are all capable of greatness, and I want to urge you to go out there with the mindset that you will excel. Bring back as many laurels as you can. Your performance will make us proud.”
The Minister further assured that outstanding performances from athletes would not go unnoticed, with exceptional achievements to be celebrated and recognized by the FCT government.
Wike also took the opportunity to highlight the important role that coaches play in ensuring that athletes perform at their highest potential. He urged the coaches to be committed to imparting their knowledge and skills effectively, fostering a strong sense of discipline and excellence within their teams.
“Coaches, you have a critical role to play in shaping the future of these athletes,” Wike said. “We believe in your ability to bring out the best in our athletes. Your hard work and dedication will help ensure that FCT shines brightly at the National Sports Festival.”
He reassured both coaches and athletes that the FCT government would provide all necessary support to help them succeed. The Minister also promised that exceptional performances would be rewarded, reinforcing his commitment to fostering a culture of excellence within the sports community in the FCT.
The Director of Sports, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Luka Istifanus, also addressed the gathering, affirming that every necessary preparation had been made to ensure the success of FCT athletes at the 22nd National Sports Festival. He called on the athletes to give their best and bring pride to the territory.
“FCT is ready to compete, and we are confident that our athletes will perform excellently at the festival,” Istifanus stated. “Our athletes have been well-prepared, and we urge them to strive for victory. This is an opportunity to showcase their talent and bring glory to the Federal Capital Territory.”
Istifanus emphasized the importance of teamwork and the role that both the athletes and their support staff play in achieving success. He expressed optimism that FCT athletes would make the territory proud in Ogun State come May 2025.
The Torch of Unity, a symbol of the National Sports Festival’s ideals, will now continue its journey across all 36 states in Nigeria. The torch’s travel is a significant part of the festival’s tradition, as it promotes unity and strengthens the bonds among Nigeria’s diverse regions. The event serves as a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together, regardless of background, and unite them in the pursuit of excellence.
The torch’s journey also encourages anticipation for the upcoming festival and serves as a rallying point for communities across the nation. As it moves from state to state, the torch’s presence fosters excitement and builds momentum for the athletes who will represent their regions at the festival.
The National Sports Festival is Nigeria’s most prominent multi-sport event, bringing together athletes from all over the country to compete in a variety of sports. First established in 1973, the festival has been held every two years, though the COVID-19 pandemic caused a delay in recent editions. The festival serves as both a showcase for Nigeria’s sporting talent and a means of promoting physical fitness, health, and national unity.
Over the years, the National Sports Festival has provided a platform for many young Nigerian athletes to rise to prominence, some of whom have gone on to represent Nigeria in international competitions like the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.
This year’s edition, which will be held in Ogun State, is expected to be a highly competitive one, with athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory vying for medals across multiple sports. As the festival approaches, preparations are underway to ensure the event is a success, with various stakeholders, including state governments and the National Sports Commission, working together to create an atmosphere conducive to athletic achievement.
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival in Ogun State promises to be an exciting and historic event. As the Torch of Unity makes its way across Nigeria, it serves as a reminder of the festival’s enduring legacy as a tool for national unity and the promotion of sports. With the FCT Minister and officials urging their athletes to bring home victories, all eyes are now on Ogun State, where the nation’s best athletes will compete for supremacy in May.
