Katsina State Governor, Mal Dikko Umar Radda, has officially ignited the “touch of unity,” symbolising the state’s participation in the upcoming National Sports Festival.

This is contained in a statement filed by the Katsina State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

The festival tagged “Gateway Games” is scheduled to be held in Ogun State from May 15th to 30th, 2025.

Governor Radda received the symbolic torch at the Government House in Katsina from a delegation of the National Sports Commission, a customary tradition before the commencement of the national sporting event.

Addressing the delegation shortly after receiving the torch, Governor Radda expressed his delight in witnessing the historic occasion. He affirmed the full participation of Katsina State in the 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

Describing the National Sports Festival as a crucial platform for uniting the nation’s youth, Governor Radda emphasised its significant role in diverting young people from “drug abuse and other social vices”.

He used the opportunity to highlight his administration’s commitment to promoting sports development in the state.

This commitment, he noted, includes the establishment of a state-owned football academy that has already facilitated the travel of some young indigenes to footballing nations like Qatar, Italy, and France.

Governor Radda further reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue initiating developmental programmes aimed at elevating the standard of sporting activities within Katsina State.

Earlier, the leader of the National Sports Commission delegation, Mrs Mbora Ikana, stated that their presence in Katsina was to present the touch of unity to the people of the state, following its formal flag-off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 25th of this year.

Mrs Ikana explained that presenting the touch of unity to the state government serves as the official invitation for Katsina State to participate in the upcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

She emphasised the symbolic significance of the torch, stating that it represents the “unity and peace of the nation”, highlighting sports as an effective tool for fostering unity among Nigeria’s diverse population.