Vice president Kashim Shettima has declared open the 22nd National Sports Festival at MKO Abiola Stadium, Ogun State, with over 15,000 athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) compete for medals across various sports.
Shettima who represented the President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, said sports is a means of promoting national unity among the entire people of Nigeria.
He also said that the current administration recognises sports for patriotism because for more than decade, sports has placed Nigeria on a global map and one of the forces for national unity.
Earlier, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the National Sports Festival is not just only a sporting event but a celebration to build a stronger Nigeria.
He urged all the athletes to compete with passion, integrity, honour and respect each other during and after the event as sports remains one of the powerful events for unity.
“Our demand to host this event is on our unshakable beliefs in the transformative power of sports as a catalyst for youth development,” He said.
On his part, the Director General, National Sport Commission, Hon. Gbenga Olopade said the sport festival would only be a celebration of sports but also a testament to integrity.
“Let medals be won with honor, not by crook. We are where we are today, revamping, reshaping and resetting our aports ecosystem because of the vision of Mr President, the father of the country.
“He is the reason why the National Sports Festival is now wearing a new look of world class standard and we will continue to thank him.”