Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has received the Torch of Peace and Unity ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival, themed “Gateway Games,” set to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from May 16 to 30, 2025.
Welcoming officials from the National Sports Commission, Abuja, who presented the torch, Governor Otti expressed his pride in Team Abia for consistently representing the state with excellence. He emphasized the unifying power of sports across Nigeria.
“It is a pleasure to welcome you to Abia. Sports remain one of the few institutions that bring people together, without bias or discrimination. Regardless of background, only talent speaks on the field,” he said.
The governor applauded Team Abia’s achievements and affirmed his unwavering support, noting that funding for their participation had already been secured. He further pledged to honor and celebrate the athletes should they return home with trophies, adding that, “the reward for hard work is more work.”
He extended his appreciation to the National Sports Commission for including Abia in the national relay of the Unity Torch and assured them that the state would be strongly represented at the games.
In her remarks, Mrs. Mbora Ikana, who led the delegation from the National Sports Commission, announced that the 22nd National Sports Festival was officially flagged off on March 25, 2025. She highlighted that the Unity Torch symbolizes national peace and cohesion, and its arrival in Abia signifies the state’s invitation to participate in the upcoming games.
Delivering a vote of thanks, Abia State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, praised Governor Otti for his outstanding contributions to sports development in the state. He described Abia as a true sporting destination and noted the governor’s directive to revive school sports across secondary institutions.
“Abia is the only state where the governor has mandated a return of competitive sports to secondary schools. Last year’s school games produced a youth weightlifter who won three gold medals at the National Youth Games,” George stated.
He also acknowledged the governor’s inclusive approach to sports, citing his recognition of athletes from the Paralympics and U-15 National Youth Games.
George revealed that Abia will be participating in 25 out of the 40 sports featured in the festival, with a strong contingent of 339 athletes.
