Ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, received the Torch of Unity from the National Sports Commission.

He boasted that Team Delta will emerge the champions of the festival slated to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from May 16 to 30, 2025.

Oborevwori, who spoke through his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said Delta athletes, as defending champions, have adequately prepared themselves for the festival to retain the championship.

“As we receive this torch today, may it ignite in us a renewed sense of hope, passion, and national pride. Be assured that Delta State will continue to win, support and invest in sports as a catalyst for growth, transformation, and unity,” Oborevwori said.

While highlighting the importance of peace and unity at the festival, the governor said, “our young athletes and the entire sporting community in Delta State are the pride of our state and the future of our great nation, and should consistently remain at the forefront of sporting excellence in Nigeria.

“We are immensely proud of our legacy, hosting and triumphantly winning the 2022 edition of the National Sports Festival, and nurturing some of the finest athletes who continue to make us proud on both national and global stages.

“Let this moment also serve as a powerful reminder that, despite our diverse cultures and backgrounds, we are united by the Nigerian spirit, stronger together, and driven by common dreams and aspirations.”

Oborevweri, however, applauded the National Sports Commission and Ogun State, the host of the 22nd National Sports Festival, for sustaining this noble tradition and for continuing to promote the ideals of national unity and sporting excellence

Earlier, the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission. Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori lauded the government’s contributions to the development of sports in the state, noting that the torch represents peace, unity, and the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Leader of the National Sports Commission delegation, Mrs. Ikana Mbora, urged the state government to create awareness in the youths by investing in them, noted that the festival will hold from May 16 to 30, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.