By Okerafor Athanasius, Jalingo
A team of sports men and women has presented the Torch of Unity for the 22nd National Sports Festival, to Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
The sports fiesta is tagged Gateway Games, Ogun 2024.
Receiving the torch during a ceremony at the T.Y. Danjuma Government House, Jalingo, the state capital, Gov. Kefas commended the visitors and pledged that Taraba would participate in the festival.
Speaking with journalists shortly after, the NSC team lead, Ikana Mbora, said they were in the state to convey a message from President Bola Tinubu to create awareness and invite every state in the country to the National Sports Festival slated for Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
“Each time you see the torch come to your state, that’s an indication for invitation and that symbolizes the torch for unity”, she said.
According to her, there are several categories of sports to be competed in, pointing out that athletes can showcase their talents in anyone.
“The sports festival is for all of us and if your state can participate in all the sporting activities, the better for you.
“The essence of sports is that it cuts our restiveness and brings all of us together”, she added.
Also speaking in an interview, two-time African badminton champion, Jinkam Bulus Ephraimus, who hails from Taraba state, expressed confidence that the state’s contingents would come out victorious.
The torch was later taken from Jalingo to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, and other States in Nigeria’s North-East geo-political zone.
The ceremony for conveying the torch nationwide was flagged off by President Bola Tinubu on March 25, 2025.
