Delta Receives Torch of Unity Ahead of 22nd National Sports Festival

Delta State has received the symbolic Torch of Unity ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival scheduled to hold from May 16 to 30, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, received the torch from the delegation of the National Sports Commission at a brief ceremony held in Asaba on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the significance of the Torch of Unity as a symbol of national peace and cohesion. He charged Delta athletes, who are the defending champions of the festival, to maintain the state’s reputation for sporting excellence.

“Our young athletes and the entire sporting community in Delta State, as defending champions, I charge you to uphold the spirit of excellence and discipline,” he said. “You are the pride of our state and the future of our great nation.”

The Governor recalled Delta’s hosting and triumphant performance in the 2022 edition of the festival, reiterating the state’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent. He commended the National Sports Commission and Ogun State for upholding the tradition of the festival, describing it as a platform for fostering unity and youth development.

“As we receive this torch today, may it ignite in us a renewed sense of hope, passion, and national pride,” Oborevwori stated. “Delta State will continue to invest in sports as a catalyst for growth, transformation, and unity.”

Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, also spoke at the event, applauding the state government’s continuous investment in sports development. He reaffirmed that Delta’s athletes are fully prepared and currently in training camps across the state.

“We are proud to be the defending champions of this great event,” Mr. Oborevwori said. “Over the years, Delta has shown strong commitment to sports, and we will continue to support our athletes, coaches, and youths who find purpose and pride through sports.”

Leader of the delegation from the National Sports Commission, Mrs. Ikana Mbora, noted that the Torch of Unity was flagged off by President Bola Tinubu on March 25 in Abuja. She explained that the torch is being taken through all 36 states and the FCT to promote national unity and prepare the nation for the festival.

“Sport remains a powerful unifying factor in Nigeria,” she said. “We urge state governments to create awareness among the youth and continue investing in them through sports.”

According to Mrs. Mbora, the torch has already been to states across the North East, North Central, North West, and South East, and is currently touring the South South, with Delta being the latest stop after Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa.