Towards commencement of the 2025 National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2025”, Kebbi State has received the Torch of Unity.
The festival scheduled to hold from May 16th to 30th in Abeokuta, Ogun State, will feature athletes from across Nigeria in various sporting events in a celebration of sports and national unity.
A statement by Yahaya SARKI, Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kebbi State, said the symbolic torch was received on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Nura Bala Fingila, from Mrs. Ikana Mbora, leader of the delegation from the National Sports Commission.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Mbora noted that the Torch of Unity was officially launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 25th, 2025, in Abuja to signal the commencement of the festival and invite participation from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The torch is touring the entire country to reflect the President’s vision of fostering unity through sports. The festival provides a platform to bring Nigerian youths together as one family in the spirit of nation building,” she said.
She emphasized that sports remain a powerful tool for curbing youth restiveness and urged all states to actively participate in the 2025 games.
Receiving the torch on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris, Hon. Fingila commended the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting unity through sports.
“Kebbi is fully prepared for the festival. Governor Nasir Idris, a passionate sports enthusiast, has consistently supported sporting activities even before assuming office,” the Commissioner stated.
“Since becoming governor, he has significantly boosted youth and sports development in the state. For Abeokuta 2025, all necessary funds for athletes, officials, and security have been provided. Kebbi is ready to compete and win medals.”
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad Manga, a member of the Social Group, praised the role of sports in strengthening national cohesion.
“Football and sports, in general, have united Nigerians beyond ethnic and regional lines. The National Sports Festival is a true symbol of unity in diversity,” he stated.