Ibas Receives Torch Of Unity, Charges Rivers Athletes On Victory
Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured that the state will participate and showcase a new generation of athletes that will achieve excellence and set new records at the 22nd National Sports Festival, billed to be held in Ogun State.
Vice Admiral Ibas gave the assurance shortly after receiving the Torch of Unity of the National Sports Festival, which was handed over to him by Mrs Ikana Mbora, the Team Lead, National Sports Commission, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
The National Sports Festival’s Torch of Unity has already been received in 28 states of the federation, with Enugu State now handing it over to River State, where it will move onwards to Bayelsa State in the coming days.
The theme of the National Sports Festival, held in Abeokuta from May 16 to 30, 2025, is Gateway Games 2024: Inspiring the Future”.
Vice Admiral Ibas expressed delight that the festival, since its inception in 1973, has been organised as a reflection of shared national aspirations and an enduring commitment to enforce a collective identity that sports can fortify.
The administrator expressed the hope that the festival will not just be seen as mere competition but used as a veritable platform to promote national cohesion, foster youth development, and enhance our sporting infrastructure.
Vice Admiral Ibas hailed the gallant athletes of the State and urged them to compete with discipline, determination, and the true spirit of sportsmanship, assuring that the State Government will recognise and sufficiently reward any athlete who wins a medal for the State
In her address, the Team Lead of the National Sports Commission, Mrs Ikana Mbora, said the torch will move from the South-South to the Southwest and eventually land in Abeokuta, where the festival will be held between the 16th and 30th of May, 2025.
Ibas Receives Torch Of Unity, Charges Rivers Athletes On Victory is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
