As Nigeria prepares for the 2025 National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State, the symbolic Torch of Unity continued its nationwide tour and arrived in Plateau State on Thursday, April 4th, 2025.
The torch was received by the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Ngo Josephine Piyo, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang at a formal ceremony held at the Government House in Jos.
In her remarks, Deputy Governor Piyo described the Torch of Unity as more than just a ceremonial item — she called it a powerful symbol of national cohesion and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
“This torch is a beacon of unity, peace, and progress,” she said. “As it travels through the states, it carries with it the hopes and dreams of every Nigerian athlete. I urge our athletes to embrace the festival not only as a competition but as an opportunity to learn from others, build friendships, and celebrate our country’s rich diversity.”
She also took the opportunity to advise Plateau State athletes to uphold discipline, sportsmanship, and integrity throughout the games, assuring them of the government’s full support.
In a show of commitment to sports development in the state, the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Musa Ashoms, revealed that the Plateau contingent is more than ready to make a mark at the Ogun 2025 Games. He disclosed that the athletes will arrive at least 12 days before the commencement of the festival to acclimatize and fine-tune their preparations.
“Our athletes are physically and mentally prepared,” Ashoms stated. “We’re not just going to participate — we are going to compete and win. We expect a strong medal haul and let me emphasize that there will be financial rewards for every medal won. This is part of the governor’s vision to motivate our athletes and recognize their efforts.”
Director of Sports in the state, Professor Ezra Gunen, echoed the commissioner’s optimism, stating that the Plateau team is focusing on areas where they have traditionally excelled and are putting in the work to ensure they deliver impressive results.
“We are leaving nothing to chance,” Gunen noted. “Our training programs have been rigorous and strategic. The welfare of our athletes is a top priority for this administration, and the governor has shown tremendous support in this regard.”
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, though not physically present, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and talent development through sports. He conveyed his appreciation to the National Sports Commission for the honor and pledged to continue fostering an enabling environment for sports to thrive in Plateau.
The National Sports Festival, often dubbed Nigeria’s “mini-Olympics,” serves as a platform for discovering and nurturing sports talent across the country. With the Torch of Unity now passed through Plateau, excitement continues to build as the nation counts down to Ogun 2025.