Anambra Govt Receives Unity Torch for 22nd National Sports Festival

By Ikemefuna Asika

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo today Government House, Awka received the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged ‘Gateway Games’.

Receiving the touch from Mrs. Mbora Ikana who led the National Sports Commission team at a brief ceremony held at the Government House, Awka, Soludo described sports as a unifying force and catalyst for youth engagement, national cohesion and economic growth.

Soludo who was represented by his Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of staff, Chief. Chinedu Nwoye Glamour, commended the NSC for its efforts in fostering national peace and unity through sports and reaffirmed Anambra State’s commitment to full participation in the upcoming festival.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting and providing the enabling environment for sports development.

The Governor 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 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,” he stated.

The Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Mr. Patrick Estate Onyedum in his remark stressed that enhanced collaboration is essential for advancing the nation’s sporting potential and ensuring that Nigeria remains a dominant force in global sports.

He stated that the Torch of Unity symbolize peace, strength and solidarity.

“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”.

In her speech, the leader of the NSC team disclosed that 28 compulsory and four optional sporting events will be competed for during the games which will run from 16th to 30th May 2025 in Ogun State.

She also pointed out that invited junior athletes (IJA) discovered from the last National Youth Games will also compete not for their various States.

She explained that it is a way of discovering new talents to take over from the ageing ones.

The torch is expected to go round the 36 States including FCT thus heralding the commencement of the festival.

The festival tourch was carried first by Chioma Ede who later handed it over to Oranye Chibike who in turn handed it over to the Director of Sports Emeka Obidimma and he inturn handed it to Chairman ASSDC, Estate Onyedum before it was handed to Mrs. Ikana who finally handed it to governor Soludo.

Present at the event include SPA on Market, Chief Everest Uba, Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mba, Zonal Coordinator South East Zone, Ben Ezema, former Zonal Coordinator South East Zone, Mrs. Jane Owo, Director of Sports Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Emeka Obidimma, Sports consultantant to ASSDC Olu Sule, amongst others.