Tinubu flags off Unity Torch for 2025 national sports festival

President Bola Tinubu has officially launched the movement of the Unity Torch in preparation for the 22nd National Sports Festival, known as the Gateway Games Ogun State 2025.

The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place from May 16 to May 30, 2025.

The President ignited the ceremonial torch at the forecourt of the State House in Abuja at approximately 2:15 PM on Tuesday.

Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to nation-building through sports, Tinubu emphasized the importance of providing incentives to foster sports development at all levels.

He also called on both public and private sector stakeholders to actively contribute to strengthening national unity through sporting initiatives.

The National Sports Festival, Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event, is meant to foster unity and promote grassroots sports development nationwide.

Established in 1973 after the civil war, the festival brings together athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to compete in various sporting disciplines.

“It serves as a platform for talent discovery, national cohesion, and preparation for international competitions,” the National Sports Commission says.

A symbolic tradition of the NSF is the movement of the Torch of Unity, which marks the build-up to the festival.

The torch is typically ignited in a ceremonial event and then taken on a nationwide tour, passing through all participating states.

The relay-style movement signifies peace, solidarity, and the collective spirit of sportsmanship that the festival represents.

The journey of the Torch of Unity culminates at the host state of the National Sports Festival, where it is received during the opening ceremony.

The arrival of the torch officially signals the commencement of the games.