President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting and providing an enabling environment for sports development.

The festival, tagged the Gateway Games, will take place in Ogun State from May 16 to May 30.

The President described sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for youth engagement, national cohesion, and economic growth.

He called on the public and private sectors to contribute to Nigerian sports development, particularly in infrastructure expansion, talent identification, athlete nurturing, and sponsorship of sporting events.

The Torch of Unity, symbolizing peace, strength, and solidarity, will travel through all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, heralding the festival. President Tinubu recognized the contributions of Nigeria’s sporting legends, paying tribute to Olympic medalist and National Torch Bearer, Falilat Ogunkoya.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State assured that the state is fully prepared to host a world-class event, welcoming over 10,000 athletes.

Elite Nigerian athletes, including Anthony Joshua and Tobi Amusan, will participate, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a global sporting powerhouse.

The festival will feature the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) category for the first time, with the best junior athletes competing under the sponsorship of the National Sports Commission.