Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged FCT athletes and coaches preparing for the 2025 National Sports Festival to strive for victory.
This call to action came while receiving the Torch of Unity for the 22nd edition of the festival, scheduled for May 16 to May 30, 2025, in Ogun. The Torch of Unity, a traditional symbol of the festival, represents unity, strength, and sportsmanship.
Wike, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Chidi Amadi, advised the athletes and coaches to train hard to achieve excellence and win many medals for the FCT.
He emphasized the FCT Administration’s commitment to youths’ empowerment and the development of sports in the territory. Wike encouraged the athletes to go out there with determination to excel, promising that exceptional performances would be duly recognized.
The Director of Sports, FCTA, Luka Istifanus assured the minister of adequate preparation to ensure the success of FCT athletes at the festival. Istifanus also called on the athletes to strive for victory and bring pride to the FCT. The Torch of Unity will continue its journey from the FCT to all the 36 states of the federation.
The 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged the “Gateway Games,” aims to promote national unity, sportsmanship, and sporting excellence. The festival brings together thousands of athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to compete in various sports events.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier flagged off the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting and providing an enabling environment for sports development.
The festival’s objectives include building a robust talent pool of athletes, enhancing sports at the grassroots level, and promoting national unity.