National Sports Festival: Sanwo-Olu Receives Torch Of Unity, Pledges Support For Festival
By BENJAMIN OMOIKE
LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday received the National Sports Festival Torch of Unity at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja; in a renewed commitment for passion, Unity, fair play and excellence.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu pledged support for the noble cause holding in Abeokuta, Ogun State, between May 16 and 30, this year, stressing: “This biennial multi-sport event discovers and nurtures our best athletic talents while fostering national unity, sportsmanship, and healthy competition across the country.” He added that the tradition of the torch carrying and lighting ceremony had become a cherished symbol of peace and togetherness, culminating in the grand unveiling and lighting by President Bola Tinubu, during the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged: “The Gateway Games Ogun 2025”. According to the Governor, this year’s festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of talent, resilience, and unity and Lagos State is honored to receive the powerful symbol of unity and excellence as the biennial multi-sports event discovers and nurtures best athletic talents while fostering national unity, sportsmanship, and healthy competition across the Country. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said event re-echoed the state Government’s commitment to the youth in line with the THEMES plus Agenda, of social inclusion, of gender equality and the youth in a bid not to leave any one behind irrespective of the background, which include people with disability. Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, who stated that a new slogan, “Team Lagos Best Ever,” had been adopted said the essence of the engagement was to further foster the opportunity for sportsmanship, resilience, unity and togetherness and present the wider opportunity that sports gives, as well as grants youth population in terms of empowerment and the opportunity to unveil their potential. The Team Lead, Ikana Mbora, said the torch of unity of the National Sports Festival is aimed at preaching unity among youths and unifying everyone, in line with the mandate given by the President to the Commission.
