OGUN2025: GOV ODODO RECEIVES TORCH OF UNITY AHEAD OF THE 22ND NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
March 29, 2025
Lokoja, Kogi state
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, graciously accepted the National Unity Torch in preparation for the upcoming National Sports Festival set to take place from the 16th to the 30th of May 2025 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, Governor Ododo stressed the important role of sports in fostering National Unity and Development.
In a statement according to the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor Mr Unubi Emmanuel, Governor Ododo highlighted the transformative power of sports in society, emphasizing its capacity to bring people together. He expressed Kogi State’s tireless commitment to seizing the opportunity to coexist and exchange values and athletic prowess with other states across the nation. He assured that the State Contingent is fully prepared to partake in the Festival, with the State Government pledging its complete support to ensure Team Kogi emerges victorious.
The team leader, who is also a member of the National Sports Commission, Ikana Mbora, explained that it is customary to tour all 36 States of the Federation with the Torch as a symbol of national unity. She mentioned that Kogi State is the fourth stop on their journey following the official flagoff by the President.
Additionally, she highlighted that the Torch serves as an invitation for all states to participate in the National Sports Festival, with adequate measures in place to guarantee a successful event.
Mr. Haruna Jibo, the Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, affirmed that proper preparations are ongoing to ensure Team Kogi delivers a beautiful performance at the festival.
The 22nd National Sports Festival is slated to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State from May 16th to May 30th, 2025
