On Wednesday, 7 May, 2025 the Torch of Unity for the 22nd National Sports Festival arrived Benin-City, the Edo State Capital.
It was received on behalf of Government, by the deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa supported by Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Amadi Desmond Enabulele and other officials.
Head of delegation; National Sports Commission, Mbora Ikana handed over the torch at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin City.
The Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Friday Aghedo in a statement availed journalists in Benin, said while receiving the torch, Idahosa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for transforming the country’s sports sector, uniting the people, and rekindling hopes amongst the Nigerian youths.
Idahosa further expressed optimism on the outcome of the National Sports Festival, asserting that the State contingent would no doubt emerge victorious with the magnitude of investment and commitment by the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration in revamping the sports sector of the State.
“I want to thank the President, His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for using sports to bring all the youths of Edo State and across the country together.
“For us in Edo, we are ready to support the Edo State Sports Commission to win medals and we are very sure that they are going to come home top position.”
Delivering his address, Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Desmond Amadin commended Governor Okpebholo for what he termed; laudable impact from equipping and transforming the sports sector of the State.
“We would all be gathering in Ogun State from the 16th to the 30th of May, 2025. As you know, Edo State is known for sports. When you say Edo State, you say Sports!
“In the last sports festival we came out third, but this time around, the governor, distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo has given us the support that we need. So, this time around, we know that Edo State is going to come out top.”
Also speaking, Ikana on behalf of the National Sports Commission while commending the President, expressed optimism on the success of the forthcoming National Sports Festival and its impact in nurturing young talents amongst the Nigerian youths.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission that was mandated by the President, Ahmed Tinubu to take the torch round the 36 States including Abuja; we are in Edo State today, and the essence of the torch is to invite the State
to the Festival.
“Also to create awareness that sport is the only unifying platform in our country and we are supposed to harness the talents of our youths through sports.”
