Sports

President Buhari Flags off Torch of Unity For Delta 2022 Sports Festival

Published

4 years ago

October 26, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has flagged off the Torch of Unity movement signifying the commencement of the 21st National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged “Delta 2022”.
At the ceremony which took place today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President expressed his delight over the forthcoming Festival which he described as the engine room for producing great champions that will represent the country at International Competitions.

He stated that, all outstanding stars that have written the name of the country in gold were born out of the National Sports Festival which clearly shows that the resources government is investing in sporting activities is not a waste.

Represented by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the President commended the Main Organising Committee (MON) as well as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their commitment and doggedness towards ensuring the successful hosting of the games.

While reiterating his administration’s commitment to the development of sports in the country, he explained that sports has remained a unifying platform for Nigerians and as such, government will continue to invest in it.

President Buhari commended the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, the Nigerian Olympic Committee, led by Engr. Habu Gumel and the athletes for the outstanding performance at the Games.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare described the Sports Festival as Nigerian Olympics where the best and brightest athletes are selected to represent the country at International çompetitions.

He stated further that the Touch of Unity Movement being flagged off today by Mr President will travel round the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory and will finally arrive at Delta which is the host State of the Festival.

Dare commended the Executive Governor and the good people of Delta State for their resilence in sports and commitment to hosting a successful festival.

He called on corporate organisations and sports loving Nigerians to join hands with government in order to develop sports for the benefit of our youth.

Also speaking, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa assured of the States’ readiness to deliver the best Festival that will culminate into an outstanding 2024 Olympic outing.

According to him, sports represent peace and unity in the country and as such the State will leave no stone unturned in ensuring a peaceful, unique and formidable sports festival in the history of Nigeria.
He challenged the participating States to come and compete with Delta State, being the leading sporting State in the Competitions.

In her good will message at the event, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, commended Nigerian female athletes for making the country proud at the just concluded Commonwealth Games.

She called on them to ensure that they maintain the lead during the forthcoming festival.

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Sports

NSC DG Olopade Applauds FCT’s Move to Develop Gwagwalada Mini Stadium

Published

10 hours ago

November 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the planned construction of a mini stadium in Gwagwalada, describing the initiative as a significant boost to sports development in the territory.

Hon. Olopade said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly its commitment to the development of sports infrastructure across the country.

According to the DG, the proposed Gwagwalada Mini Stadium, when completed, will serve as an important sporting facility during the 2027 African School Games scheduled to hold in Abuja, while also providing young athletes in the FCT with access to quality sports infrastructure to nurture their talents.

“As I speak, over 30 contractors have been mobilized to various sites to ensure that sporting facilities and infrastructure are put in place for both our young and elite athletes across the country, Hon, Olopade said.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for sports development, noting that the Federal Government had committed over ₦200 billion to the rehabilitation and development of sports infrastructure nationwide.

“We are more than grateful at the Sports Commission because Mr President has been very supportive of sports like never before. His commitment to spending over ₦200 billion on infrastructure revamp across the country will ensure that indigent children have access to quality facilities to harness their sporting potential,” he added.

The DG emphasized that sports infrastructure remains a critical factor in achieving excellence, noting that the availability and quality of facilities play a major role in athletes’ performance and their ability to secure podium finishes at international competitions.

He described the planned construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium as a welcome development, commending Wike for his continued commitment to infrastructure development in the FCT.

“The construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium by the FCT Minister is a massive welcome development for the Sports Commission. The Minister deserves all the accolades for the good work he has been doing in the FCT, particularly in the area of construction and infrastructure development,” Hon. Olopade said.

The NSC reiterated its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the development of sporting facilities that will support grassroots participation, talent discovery and the overall growth of sports in Nigeria.

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