PORT HARCOURT — Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has charged the state’s athletes to strive for excellence and bring home laurels as the state prepares to compete in the 22nd National Sports Festival, set to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from May 16 to 30, 2025.
Ibas gave the charge on Saturday in Port Harcourt after receiving the Torch of Unity from Mrs. Ikana Mbora, Team Lead of the National Sports Commission. The torch, a symbolic emblem of national unity and sportsmanship, has already toured 28 states and will continue its journey to Bayelsa before arriving at the final host state.
Themed “Gateway Games 2024 – Inspiring the Future,” the festival is expected to showcase emerging talents and foster unity across the nation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ibas emphasized the state’s readiness to present a new generation of athletes who will break records and exemplify discipline and sportsmanship. He described the festival as a reflection of Nigeria’s collective aspirations and a tool for national cohesion, youth development, and sports infrastructure enhancement.
He further assured that medal-winning athletes from Rivers State would receive due recognition and rewards from the state government.
In her remarks, Mbora reaffirmed the festival’s role in uniting Nigerians through sports, highlighting its progress as it transitions from the South-South to the Southwest zone, en route to Ogun State.
