The Unity Torch Movement for 20th National Sports Festival, “Edo 2020” was flagged off by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday at the State House, Abuja with Sports Minister Sunday Dare and Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki in attendance.
The Torch Of Unity for the 20th National Sports Festival was presented to President Buhari by the Minister who then passed it back to the Minister who in turn handed it over to the Permanent Secretary Of The Ministry.
Receiving the Unity Torch, President Buhari commended the Sports Ministry and reiterated his administration’s commitment to foster an enabling environment for sports at all levels.
“May I once again reiterate this administration’s commitment to continue to support and provide enabling environment for the development of sports at all level,” the President said.
“The Federal Ministry Of Youth and Sports Development is the biggest constituency for keeping the youth busy and the Minister is doing a good job in that regard,” he said.
In his remarks, Dare expressed gratitude to the President for his steadfast support for Youth and Sports development initiatives in Nigeria.
“I am particular joyous that this landmark event in our strategic plan for the Festival is being undertaken by Mr President himself. This act is a testimony of the importance of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari attaches to youth and sports development in the country,” Dare said.
Citing the significance of The Torch Of Unity to The National Sports Festival, the Minister added, “The Torch chiefly symbolizes unity, peace, friendship, tolerance and hope among Nigerians. When The Torch moves round the cities and people see if, they begin to properly realize the Games are here, and it always brings a good feeling to everyone”.
Also in attendance at the flag-off were the Secretary to the Government of The Federation (SGF), Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umaru Farouq, and the Permanent Secretary Of The Ministry Of Youth and Sports Development, Gabriel Aduda amongst others.
