As the countdown begins for the inaugural Kingdom Unity Games Abuja (KUGA) 2025, organisers have announced Engineer Ciroma Joseph as the official Games Ambassador.
Scheduled to take place from 6th to 13th September 2025 in Abuja, the Kingdom Unity Games is a faith-based sporting initiative aimed at uniting youths from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding states through competitive sports. The event focuses on peacebuilding, discipline, spiritual growth, and youth development.
During the official confirmation ceremony held in Abuja Thursday’s night, Engr. Joseph expressed his gratitude for the honour of being appointed as the Games Ambassador.
“I’m truly honoured to be associated with the 2025 Kingdom Unity Games,” he remarked. “Although my background is in engineering and the power sector, I have always championed unity, peace, and youth development. Sports is a powerful tool to achieve these goals. This event is more than just competition—it’s about promoting peace, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or tribe.”
An international chess player and former Secretary of the Nigerian NEPA Chess Association, Engr. Joseph drew upon his experiences in organising chess tournaments that successfully brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds within the power sector. He noted that such events highlight how sports can transcend barriers and foster a sense of shared identity.
“Though I come from an engineering background, I have always been passionate about sports and youth empowerment. We have moved from the analogue age into a digital era, and it is essential that our youth evolve with the times. The Unity Games provide a platform for them to express themselves positively, build discipline, and find purpose,” he added.
As Ambassador, Engr. Joseph urged residents of Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and adjacent areas to engage and support the initiative.
“I invite everyone—youths, leaders, elders, religious groups, and communities—to be part of this historic event. This is the first edition, and how we begin will determine the future of the Games. I’ll personally reach out to my network to ensure we have a strong turnout for the opening, closing, and all events in between,” he stated.
He praised the Moshood Abiola National Stadium as an appropriate venue for the Games, citing its capacity to host large-scale events and accommodate thousands of participants and spectators.
Speaking on government involvement, Engr. Ciroma highlighted the necessity for ongoing support from public institutions.
“No initiative of this scale can succeed without a supportive environment. The government’s role is crucial—security, logistics, infrastructure, and funding are key. I commend the current administration for its recent support of sports and urge both federal and local governments to continue backing youth-focused programmes like KUGA. Sports can serve as a potent antidote to insecurity and youth restiveness,” he affirmed.
In his remarks, Ambassador Solomon Omonokhua, Convener of KUGA 2025 and representative of the Kingdom Star Sports International Foundation, described the event as a significant step towards discovering and nurturing young athletic talent within church communities across the FCT and beyond.
“Our goal is to identify gifted young athletes who may otherwise go unnoticed,” Omonokhua explained. “Through this platform, we aim to provide them with exposure and opportunities to be scouted by local and international talent agencies.”
In collaboration with Celebrity Sports Magazine, the Kingdom Unity Games seeks to establish a sustainable sports framework that connects youth to professional pathways while promoting peace and unity.
Ambassador Omonokhua emphasised the inclusive and interfaith character of the event: “Though KUGA is rooted in the Christian community, the Games welcome participants from all faiths—Christians, Muslims, and others. It is a platform to foster national unity, peace, and youth engagement through sports.”
The 2025 edition of KUGA will feature three major sports disciplines: Football, with 24 male teams drawn from churches representing five major Christian blocs; Basketball, comprising 16 male and female teams; and Volleyball, with 16 teams across both genders.
Concluding the ceremony, Ambassador Omonokhua reaffirmed the organising team’s commitment to delivering a world-class sporting experience that blends faith, fun, and future-building for the youth.
