Wike Charges Athletes To Excel At The Sports Festival As He Receives The Unity Torch

By: Darlington Omotoso

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has charged FCT athletes to excel at the forthcoming National Sports Festival.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, when he received the Torch of Unity for the 22nd edition of the Festival, tagged Gateway Games, scheduled to hold in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th, 2025.

The Minister’s, Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, received the symbolic torch on behalf of the FCT Minister.

The ceremony followed the official inauguration of the Torch of Unity by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuesday, thereby making way for the Unity Torch to move around the 36 States of the Federation.

Emphasizing the role of the National Sports Festival in fostering national unity, Wike expressed his gratitude to all involved in the torch’s journey, including the Mandate Secretary for the FCT Youth Secretariat, Abdullahi Ango-Suleiman, and the members of the National Sports Commission.

He urged FCT athletes and coaches to dedicate themselves to achieving excellence in the games and to return with numerous victories.

His words: “Our athletes and coaches, you are to represent the Federal Capital Territory. Your Minister is a man who is committed to accomplishments and superlative performance. Your Minister is committed to results. So, I urge all of you representing FCT to go out there determined to ensure that you excel.”

“Go out there and come back with results. We will be here waiting to receive the laurels. As many as you can come back with, you will do us proud with your performance,” he added.

Wike encouraged the coaches to impart their knowledge and skills effectively to the athletes; promising that exceptional performances would be duly recognized.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Mandate Secretary, Youth and Sports Secretariat, Comrade Abdullahi-Ango Suleiman, thanked the FCT Minister for his unflinching support in providing enabling environment for FCT youth to excel in all their endeavours, including sports.

He urged athletes to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Minister.

According to him, “To our athletes, I urge you to strive for glory, remember that you are not just competing for yourselves, but for the pride of your respective families, communities you come from, and the Federal Capital Territory, the seat of Government of our dear nation. You are the embodiment of our collective hopes and dreams. Go out with the indomitable spirit that we are known for, and shine in your various categories, and return with a rich haul of medals.”

On his part, the Director of Sports, FCTA, Luka Istifanus, affirmed that thorough preparations have been made to ensure the success of the FCT athletes at the 22nd National Sports Festival.

He called on the athletes to strive for victory and bring pride to the FCT.