ASABA — Delta State, the defending champion of the 2022 National Sports Festival, has proudly received the Unity Torch for the next edition of the games set to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from May 16 to 30, 2025.
The Unity Torch team arrived in Asaba with colourful and exciting performances. They were warmly welcomed by the Delta State sports team before the torch was officially handed over to the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the ceremony.
The Governor, through his deputy, said that receiving the Unity Torch shows that Delta State is still very serious about supporting sports. He explained that sports help young people, bring people together, and support the growth of the country.
“This torch is more than just a sign that the festival is coming. It shows peace, unity, and the spirit of sportsmanship that makes us all proud to be Nigerians,” the governor said. “Delta State has always been a leader in sports in Nigeria, and we are proud to have hosted and won the 2022 edition of the National Sports Festival.”
Unity Torch Goes Around Nigeria
The leader of the Unity Torch team and a representative of the National Sports Commission, Ikanah Bora, explained that President Bola Tinubu had started the Unity Torch journey in Abuja on March 25, 2025.
The torch is being taken around all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to spread the message of peace and unity. She said they have already visited many states in the Northwest, Northcentral, Northeast, and Southeast, and are now in the South. Before arriving in Delta, the torch had been in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa, and will now head to Edo State next.
Ikanah Bora praised Delta State for doing well in sports and asked the governor to help spread the word about the festival and continue to support young athletes.
Delta State is Ready
The Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, said the state is fully prepared and excited for the games.
“The National Sports Festival is like Nigeria’s own Olympic Games. We are ready! Receiving the Unity Torch reminds us that sports bring people together, no matter where they come from or what language they speak,” he said.
The National Sports Festival is one of the biggest sporting events in Nigeria, where athletes from all over the country come together to compete in different games and make new friends.
Delta State hopes to win again and show the country that they are still champions.
