The Nigerian National Sports Festival Torch of Unity has arrived Anambra State.Governor Willie Obiano recieved the torch at the Governors Lodge, Amawbia.

Government House Correspondent, Ejike Abana reports that  the torch was handed over to Emmanuel Okala by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports who in turn handed it to  Chairman of the State Sports Development Commission, Chief Tony Oli.
Governor Obiano recieved the torch from Chief Oli  accompanied by  members of the State Executive Council.


The Nigerian National Sports Festival is a biennial multi-sport event organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Sports Commission for athletes from the 36 States of Nigeria.
Started and staged in 1973 at the National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos, the game was originally conceived as a “unifying tool” with the main purpose of promoting peace and cross-cultural affiliation in Nigeria after the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.


Recieving the torch, Governor Obiano expressed optimism that it will play a unifying role and reverse  all challenges presently being experienced across the country .


The Governor said that it will bring peace and unity in the Country, pointing out that Anambra state, for the first time will compete for all the games in Edo.

On his part,  the State Chairman State Sports Development CommissionChief Oli noted that the torch plays the role of unifying the Country, expressing optimism that Anambra contingents will break  the 2018 record, having qualified for  about eleven games this season.

The game also serves as a development and training event to aid athletes prepare for continental and international Competitions.


The 20th edition of the National Sports Festival is being hosted by Edo state and will take place between March 22nd and April 1st 2020.


Recall that the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare had earlier allayed fears over the festival holding due to Coronavirus scare. He said the festival would still go ahead.