…says games ‘ll solidify country’s cohesion amid diversity 

By Peter Duru, Makurdi 

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state has received the Torch of Unity of the forthcoming National Sports Festival slated for Ogun State from May 16 to May 30, 2025. 

Receiving the Torch Wednesday in Makurdi from a delegation from the National Sports Commission, NSC, the Governor represented by his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, commended the delegation noting that their visit was a mark of unity of all sports lovers across the country and solidified the country’s cohesion amid its diversity. 

While emphasizing his enthusiastic disposition towards sports development, the Governor pointed out that his administration had brought a lot of innovations in the sports sector especially in the area of infrastructural development. 

He said: “I want to let you know that no government of Benue State has supported the development of sports as this administration has done by investing huge resources in the sector, especially in football. 

“We want to call on investors to come and invest in sporting activities in the State because sports is an industry,  so we are looking at it beyond recreational or social activities but as a business and we are going to diversify to other sporting activities like Volleyball, Handball Table Tennis among others and hunt for talents that will represent the State.” 

Governor who also commended the  Commissioner of Sports, Youths Development and Creativity Terkimbi Ikyange and the management of Lobi Stars Football Club led by the Chairman, Dr, Philip Nongo for their doggedness in the face of the daunting challenges of the club  playing their home matches outside their home. 

He said :”I want to laud the reiseillance of the Lobi Stars Chairman for his efforts so far, I want to tell you here that playing outside your State as your home is not easy, fans can easily turn against you at any point in time, but we believe that in a short time the McCarthy Stadium will be ready.”

The Governor also commended the leadership of the state chapter of Sport Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, led by Hembadoon Orsar for their resilience in promoting sports activities and sports development of the Governor Alia’s administration through their reportage and assured the association of the government’s continued support, assuring that the government would make a special commitment to have Benue SWAN representation at the Ogun 2025 sports fiesta. 

“This touch of unity undoubtedly symbolizes our shared aspirations and collective identity, and it is with great honor that I receive it today on behalf of the people’s Governor.” 

Earlier, the Team Leader of the NSC delegation, Ikana Mbora said “the presentation of the Unity Torch is an invitation to participate at the Festival. 

“The National Sports Festival, tagged ‘Gateway Games’ promises to be a rewarding experience, featuring a wide range of sporting activities including football, Handball volleyball, basketball, and many others with thousands of athletes from various states participating. The festival is expected to showcase the best of Nigerian sports talent.”