Sanwo-Olu receives national sports festival torch, hails unity through sports
By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on Monday received the 22nd National Sports Festival Torch of Unity, describing the event as a vital platform for promoting national unity, peace, and youth empowerment through sports.
The symbolic handover took place on Monday at Lagos House, Ikeja, with dignitaries, sports officials, and Nigeria’s celebrated Olympian, Miss Falilat Ogunkoya, in attendance.
Ogunkoya has been the National Torch Bearer, leading the Torch of Unity across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The official host of the 22nd edition of the biennial National Sports Festival, themed “Gateway Games Ogun 2025.”
While welcoming the torch, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Ogunkoya’s dedication and Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of fostering peace through sports.
He emphasised the symbolism of the torch, which has traversed the nation, carrying messages of “peace, solidarity, and national cohesion.”
“The National Sports Festival was conceived in 1973 in the aftermath of our nation’s civil war as a deliberate effort to unite Nigeria and integrate our youth through sports in the spirit of national unity, sportsmanship, and fair play,” Sanwo-Olu said during the ceremony.
“The tradition of the torch carrying and lighting ceremony has become a cherished symbol of peace and togetherness, culminating in the grand unveiling and lighting by His Excellency, Mr. President, at the festival’s opening ceremony in Ogun State from May 16 to May 30, 2025.
“This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of talent, resilience, and unity.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated Lagos State’s full support for the festival, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration that the games go beyond competition to serve as a unifying force and catalyst for youth engagement, cohesion, and economic development.
“As the Festival Torch of Unity leaves Lagos for Ogun, may it ignite in all of us a renewed passion for unity, fair play, and excellence.
“Let us remember that the strength of Nigeria lies in our diversity and our ability to come together as one nation through the universal language of sports,” the governor said.
He called on residents of Lagos to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and show the world the state’s tradition of hospitality and unity.
The National Sports Festival, first introduced over five decades ago, remains Nigeria’s biggest multi-sport event and a critical avenue for discovering talent and preparing athletes for global competitions.
