News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Benue State Deputy Governor Barr. Sam Ode on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia received a delegation from the National Sports Commission who presented the Torch of Unity as a formal way of inviting the State to attend the event slated to hold in May.
Making the presentation, leader of the delegation, Ikana Mbora, said the presentation of the unity torch is to mark the formal invitation of Benue State to the event which also signifies the countdown to the National Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in Ogun State from May 16 to May 30, 2025.
Speaking, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ode who received the Unity Torch, commended the delegation for the visit describing their coming as a gesture that will unite all sports lovers across the country and further more solidify the national cohesion amidst the diverse backgrounds.
The Deputy Governor described Governor Hyacinth Alia as a sports enthusiast who has brought a lot of innovation in the sports sector especially the infrastructural development of the sector.
“I want to let you know that no preceding governors of Benue State has supported the development of sports as Governor Alia has done by investing huge resources into the sector especially football.
“We want to call on investors to invest in sporting activities of the State, because sports is an industry, so we are looking at it beyond recreational or social activities but as a business and we are going to diversify to other sporting activities like Volleyball, Handball, Table Tennis among others to haunt talents that will represent the State.”
The deputy Governor who also commended the Commissioner of Sports, Youths Development and Creativity Terkimbi Ikyange and the management of Lobi Stars Football Club led by the Chairman, Dr Philip Nongo for their doggedness in the face of the daunting challenges of playing outside their home.
“I want to laud the resilience of the Lobi Stars Chairman for his efforts so far, I want to tell you here that playing outside your State as your home is not easy, fans can easily turn against you at any point in time, but we believe that in a short possible time the McCarthy Stadium will be ready.”
Barr. Ode also commend the leadership of Sport Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) led by Hembadoon Orsar for their resilience in promoting sports activities and sports development of the Alia’s administration through their reportage and assured the union of government continued support adding that Government will make a special commitment for full SWAN representation at Ogun 2025.
He said “This touch of unity undoubtedly symbolizes our shared aspirations and collective identity, and it is with great honor that I receive it today on behalf of the people’s governor,” he said.
The Torch of Unity movement represents the spirit of unity, peace, and sporting excellence that defines the National Sports Festival. As the torch begins its journey across the country, it embodies the anticipation and excitement building up to the festival.
The Team Leader from the National Sports commission, Ikana Mbora commended the deputy Governor for a befitting reception accorded the team saying the presentation of Unity Torch is an invitation for participation at the Festival.
She said, “the National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games,” promises to be a rewarding experience, featuring a wide range of sporting activities which include football, Handball volleyball, basketball, and many others With thousands of athletes from various states participating, the festival is expected to showcase the best of Nigerian sports talent.
