Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has received the National Unity Torch for the National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The governor who was represented by his deputy Comrade Yakubu Garba received the Unity Torch at the Government House Minna where he re-echoed the significant role of sports in nation building.
Bago described sports as a pivotal tool for unity and development adding that the Niger State Contingent for the games is ready to fully participate in the festival and also assured that the state government will give all the necessary support for team Niger to come out victorious at the Games.
Leader of the team who is also a member of Staff of the National Sports Commission, Ikana Mbora said it is a traditional routine to take the torch round all the 36 states of the federation as a symbol of unity in the country.
She said, the torch also signifies an invitation for states to come and participate in the National Sports festival adding that all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure a successful event.
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Alh. Garba Nuhu Ngaski, said preparations are in top gear to ensure that Team Niger State comes top in all the games it will participate.
He explained that Team Niger State had won in two Team Sports at the zonal elimination stage and will participate in about 16 individual sports with shooting as a new sport.
The 22nd National Sports Festival is expected to be held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from May 16th to May 30th 2025.
