ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State on Tuesday received the Torch of Unity ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from May 16 to 30, 2025.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, received the symbolic torch from a delegation of the National Sports Commission, reiterating the role of sports as a vital tool for fostering peace and unity across the country.
In his address, the Governor commended Delta athletes for their track record of excellence and charged them to retain the championship title as they prepare for the upcoming festival.
“Our young athletes and the entire sporting community in Delta State, as the defending champions, I charge you to uphold the spirit of excellence and discipline,” he said. “You are the pride of our state and the future of our great nation.”
Oborevwori highlighted Delta State’s leadership role in Nigeria’s sporting history, noting the state’s successful hosting and victory in the 2022 edition of the National Sports Festival. He stressed that the state will continue to invest in sports as a catalyst for growth and unity.
“Let this moment also serve as a powerful reminder that, despite our diverse cultures and backgrounds, we are united by the Nigerian spirit,” the governor added. “Delta will remain a strong force in national sports and a pillar of unity.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, praised the state government for its sustained support for sports development, stating that athletes are already in training camps across the state and fully prepared for the festival.
“We are proud to be the defending champions,” he said. “Delta has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sports, and we will keep supporting our athletes, coaches, and young people who find purpose and pride through sporting excellence.”
Leading the delegation of the National Sports Commission, Mrs. Ikana Mbora explained that President Bola Tinubu had flagged off the Torch of Unity on March 25, 2025, in Abuja, with the mission to take it through all 36 states and the FCT to promote national cohesion through sports.
“Sport remains a unifying factor in Nigeria,” she said, calling on states to increase youth-focused investments. “We are currently in the South-South after touring the North East, North Central, North West, and South East. We have already visited Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa before arriving in Delta.”
The National Sports Festival, often described as Nigeria’s Olympics, is expected to attract thousands of athletes from across the country, competing in various disciplines to foster unity and showcase the nation’s sporting talents.
