Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme (Centre) receiving the torch from the officials.
By Dianabasi Effiong
Ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival, the Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Tuesday, received the Torch of Unity from the National Sports Commission ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival.
The festival is slated to be held at Abeokuta, Ogun State, from May 16 to May 30.
Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, highlighted the importance of peace and unity through sports.
The Governor urged athletes competing for the State, who are defending champions, to prepare adequately for the festival, and uphold the spirit of excellence.
“Our young athletes and the entire sporting community in Delta State, as the defending champions, I charge you to uphold the spirit of excellence and discipline.
“You are the pride of our state and the future of our great nation.
“Delta State has consistently remained at the forefront of sporting excellence in Nigeria.
“We are immensely proud of our legacy, hosting and triumphantly winning the 2022 edition of the National Sports Festival, and nurturing some of the finest athletes who continue to make us proud on both national and global stages.
“Let this moment also serve as a powerful reminder that, despite our diverse cultures and backgrounds, we are united by the Nigerian spirit, stronger together, and driven by common dreams and aspirations,” he said.
Oborevwori also commended the National Sports Commission and Ogun State, the host of the 22nd National Sports Festival, for sustaining the noble tradition and for continuing to promote the ideals of national unity and sporting excellence.
He said, “As we receive this torch today, may it ignite in us a renewed sense of hope, passion, and national pride. Be assured that Delta State will continue to support and invest in sports as a catalyst for growth, transformation, and unity.” Oborevwori stated.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission. Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, in an address, lauded the government’s contributions to the development of sports in the state.
He added that the torch represented peace, unity, and the true spirit of sportsmanship.
According to him, “Delta State is fully prepared, as the athletes are already in training camps, across various cities getting ready to make Delta State proud once again at the festival.”
“We are proud to be the defending champion of this great event.
“Over the years, Delta has shown a strong commitment to sports development, and we will continue to support our athletes, coaches, and youths who find purpose and pride through sports,” he added.
The leader of the National Sports Commission’s delegation, Mrs. Ikana Mbora, said that President Bola Tinubu on March 25 in Abuja while flagging off the National Sports Festival urged the National Sport Commission to take the torch around the 36 States of the federation including Abuja, and to preach unity, adding that sport remained a unifying factor to Nigerians.
Mbora, who urged the State government to create awareness among the youths by investing in them, added that the festival would be held from May 16 to May 30 at Abeokuta, Ogun State.
She said that the team had gone through almost all the states of the federation, including the North East, North Central, North West, and South East.
She said that the team, currently in the South-South, had visited Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states.