The Edo State Government, on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, formally accepted the Torch of Unity, signifying the commencement of the countdown to the 22nd National Sports Festival, scheduled to hold in Ogun State from May 16 to 30. This symbolic gesture, hosted at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, marked the state’s official participation in the upcoming games and highlighted its commitment to sporting excellence. Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, received the torch from Mbora Ikana, the team lead of the National Sports Commission delegation, expressing confidence in Team Edo’s potential to bring honor to the state.
The arrival of the Torch of Unity in Edo State underscores the importance of the National Sports Festival as a platform for national unity and youth development. The festival serves as a melting pot for athletes from across the country, fostering camaraderie and promoting sportsmanship while simultaneously showcasing the diverse sporting talents that Nigeria possesses. It provides a unique opportunity for young athletes to compete at a high level, gain valuable experience, and potentially launch their careers on a national or even international stage. The torch relay, passing through each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, serves to ignite enthusiasm and build anticipation for the upcoming games.
Deputy Governor Idahosa, speaking on behalf of Governor Okpebholo, highlighted the transformative power of sports, echoing President Bola Tinubu’s vision of utilizing the sports sector to unite the nation, inspire the Nigerian youth, and drive positive change. He emphasized the state government’s substantial investments in the sports sector, noting its crucial role in revitalizing sporting activities within Edo State. This commitment is evident in the government’s support for the Edo State Sports Commission, providing them with the necessary resources to excel at the National Sports Festival. Idahosa expressed unwavering confidence in Team Edo’s ability to achieve a top ranking at the games.
Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Enabulele, commended Governor Okpebholo’s visionary leadership in transforming the sports landscape in Edo State. He attributed the state’s readiness for the National Sports Festival to the governor’s proactive support and provision of essential resources. Enabulele expressed optimism that Team Edo, building on their third-place finish in the previous edition, would surpass their previous performance and emerge victorious at the forthcoming games. This ambition reflects the state’s commitment to continuous improvement and its unwavering pursuit of sporting excellence.
Mbora Ikana, representing the National Sports Commission, emphasized the significance of the torch relay and the upcoming National Sports Festival. He highlighted the event’s role as a unifying force in the country, bringing people together through the shared passion for sports. Ikana reiterated President Tinubu’s mandate to utilize sports as a tool for youth development, providing young athletes with a platform to showcase their talents and pursue their sporting dreams. The torch relay, he explained, serves as a symbol of this commitment, igniting enthusiasm and generating excitement for the games across the nation.
The 22nd National Sports Festival, hosted by Ogun State, promises to be a spectacle of athleticism and sportsmanship. With Edo State’s demonstrated commitment to sporting excellence, their participation adds another layer of excitement and anticipation to the games. The state’s investment in its athletes and its unwavering support for the Edo State Sports Commission position them as strong contenders for top honors. As the torch continues its journey across the nation, it carries with it the hopes and dreams of athletes and the promise of a thrilling competition that will further solidify the role of sports as a unifying force in Nigeria.
