IBAS CHARGES RIVERS ATHLETES TO WIN LAURELS AS HE RECEIVES TORCH OF UNITY.
Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe lbas, has assured that the state will participate and showcase new generation of athletes that will achieve excellence and set new records at the 22nd National Sports Festival billed to hold in Ogun State.
Vice Admiral Ibas gave the assurance shortly after receiving the Torch of Unity of the National Sports Festival, which was handed over to him by Mrs Ikana Mbora, the Team Lead, National Sports Commission, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
The National Sports Festival’s Torch of Unity has already being received in 28 states of the federation with Enugu state now handing it over to River State where it will move onwards to Bayelsa State in the coming days.
Theme of the National Sports Festival, holding in Abeokuta from May 16 – 30, 2025, is Gateway Games 2024 “Inspiring the Future.”
Vice Admiral Ibas expressed delight that the festival, since inception, in 1973 has been organised as a reflection of shared national aspirations, and enduring commitment to enforce a collective identity that sports can fortify.
The Administrator expressed the hopes that the festival will not just be seen as mere completion but use it as a veritable platform to promote national cohesion, foster youth development, and enhancing our sporting infrastructure.
Vice Admiral Ibas hailed the gallant athletes of the State and urged them to compete with discipline, determination, and the true spirit of sportsmanship assuring that the State Government will recognise and sufficiently reward any athlete who wins a medal for the State 
In her address, the Team Lead of National Sports Commission, Mrs Ikana Mbora said the torch will move from the South-South to Southwest and eventually lands in Abeokuta where the festival will hold between the 16th-30th of May, 2025.
