Governor Ahmed, while receiving the Torch of Unity promised to promote sporting activities as part of his administration’s efforts at encouraging sports development in the State.  

The Sports Festival, which would hold in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State from June 26 â€" July 9, is expected to draw participants from the 36 States of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.  

The Torch of Unity, Governor Ahmed said, was a symbol of unity of the people of Nigeria as a nation, pointing out that "we must do everything humanly possible to sustain the unity through sports" in the collective interest of all.  

He disclosed that renovation work of the State Stadium Complex now of FIFA standard had been completed and equipped with modern facilities, noting that the new stadium is now fit to host international sporting competitions.  

The governor, however, urged the National Sports Commission and relevant stakeholders in sports administration to take advantage of the facilities in the renovated stadium to host major sporting activities to develop sports generally in the country.  

He also charged the State contingent to the Sports festival to do the State proud at the competition by winning more laurels for the State.  

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the presentation of the Torch of Unity, Alhaji Ahmed disclosed that his administration would ensure that physically challenged people involved in sporting activities, would be assisted to realize their full potentials through skills acquisition training scheme and access to education.  

Earlier in his remark, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Alhaji Salihu Musa thanked the National Sports Commission for honouring the government and people of Kwara State by bringing the torch to the State.  

About 130 Contingent and 30 Officials from the State are expected to participate in 13 sporting events at the two weeks National Sports Festival. 

Abdulwahab Oba
Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor
07/06/2011