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PRESIDENT TINUBU FLAGS OFF THE TORCH OF UNITY MOVEMENT, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

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STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU FLAGS OFF THE TORCH OF UNITY MOVEMENT, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, flagged off the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting and providing an enabling environment for sports development.

The sports festival tagged the Gateway Games, will take place in Ogun State from May 16 to May 30.

President Tinubu described sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for youth engagement, national cohesion, and economic growth.

The President called on the public and private sectors to actively contribute to Nigerian sports development, particularly in infrastructure expansion, talent identification, athlete nurturing, and sponsorship of sporting events.

He stressed that enhanced collaboration is essential for advancing the nation’s sporting potential and ensuring Nigeria remains a dominant force in global sports.

The President described the Torch of Unity as a symbol of peace, strength, and solidarity.

The torch will herald the festival by travelling through all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Since the inception of the National Sports Festival in 1973, the games have been a veritable vehicle for the interaction and integration of our young sportsmen and women.

“This festival provides a platform for all states and the FCT to showcase their sporting prowess under healthy competition, sportsmanship and friendly interaction to enhance and strengthen national unity.

“The games represent much more than just a competition of athletic skill; they embody the unity, strength, and resilience that define us as a nation.

“Every step we take together towards the festival is not merely an act of preparation for a sporting event, but a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to national building through sports,” the President stated.

The President recognised the contributions of Nigeria’s sporting legends and paid tribute to Olympic medalist and the National Torch Bearer, Falilat Ogunkoya.

He commended her dedication to promoting unity and sports excellence in Nigeria and Africa.

The President also extended his best wishes to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe Warriors in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, later on Tuesday, expressing confidence in their ability to secure victory.

Governor Dapo Abiodun said Ogun State is fully prepared to host a world-class event, welcoming over 10,000 athletes in a festival designed to set new records.

He noted that elite Nigerian athletes such as Anthony Joshua and Tobi Amusan would grace the occasion, further reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a global sporting powerhouse.

“As Nelson Mandela once said, sports can change the world. They can inspire and unite people in a way that little else can.

“The unity torch, as it journeys across the Federation, is not merely a symbol of the forthcoming games but a reflection of our shared aspirations and collective identity.

“As the proud host of the 22nd National Sports Festival, we are not only ready to host over 10,000 athletes and officials but also to warmly welcome guests and supporters from every corner of the Federation.

“For the first time in the history of the National Sports Festival, all our athletes will be housed within a single purpose-built facility, ensuring comfort, convenience and camaraderie.

“Our sporting infrastructure meets international standards, and we have left no stone unturned in delivering a festival that will set new records in organisation, participation and excellence.

“Our facilities are ready, our people are enthusiastic, and our athletes are prepared to showcase the best Nigerian sporting talent to the world,” he said.

Governor Abiodun thanked President Tinubu for ensuring peace in Nigeria, emphasising that “without peace, there will be no sports festival.”

He commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigerian Olympic Committee, and all stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the forthcoming festival.

The Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, described the National Sports Festival as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, adding that, for the first time, the Commission has invited the best junior athletes in the country to participate under its sponsorship.

He said these young athletes will compete under the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) category, marking a historic inclusion in the festival.

Later, at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, the deputy governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme, representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, handed over the Festival Torch of Unity to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko.

President Tinubu received the torch from Dikko, who in turn passed it to the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, Hon. Bukola Olopade, who then entrusted it to Falilat Ogunkoya, the National Torch Bearer, for its journey across the country.

 

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

March 25, 2025

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Ohanaeze hails Tinubu’s readiness to negotiate Nnamdi Kanu’s release

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The Apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s readiness to negotiate towards the release of the detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Ohanaeze also commended the efforts of the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, in the same direction. Umahi had on Saturday in Lagos hinted on the Federal Government’s intention to begin negotiations to free the IPOB leader.

The pan-Igbo group stated that it acknowledged the President’s genuine intentions toward effecting Kanu’s release but asserted that this release will not be subject to any conditions linked to securing the support of the Igbo for Tinubu’s campaign for re-election in 2027.

This was stated in a statement issued on Sunday by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro.

The statement read, “As we navigate these intricate matters, the unvarnished truth about Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing incarceration must be conveyed with clarity and conviction.

“Not every battle is won within the courtroom, nor is every issue resolved through harsh propaganda or coercive threats.

“For clarity’s sake, let it be unequivocally stated: the Igbo people are neither lawless nor uncivilized. We represent a sophisticated nation imbued with wisdom, foresight, and a profound understanding of the real challenges confronting us within Nigeria’s sociopolitical landscape—one that has been systematically engineered to marginalize the Igbo since 1970.

“This understanding compels every Igbo individual to engage thoughtfully and strategically as we navigate the complexities of our reality. The uncomfortable truth remains that Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, is diligently leading numerous Igbo stakeholders to ensure the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

“We commend Umahi for his significant efforts in alleviating the heightened tensions in the Southeast and for his role in facilitating constructive dialogue with the Federal Government regarding Kanu’s situation. We understand that substantive negotiations and discreet discussions are underway, inching us ever closer to a resolution that may result in Kanu’s release from detention.

“In light of these developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo issues a stern warning to all relevant stakeholders.We implored you to refrain from deploying careless vitriol, vituperative rhetoric, or smear campaigns directed at the Federal Government, as such actions jeopardize the delicate efforts aimed at securing Kanu’s release.

“The Igbo Nation is acutely aware that certain individuals close to Nnamdi Kanu may be undesirably benefiting from his prolonged incarceration.We urge these individuals to cease inflammatory actions and allow legitimate Igbo leaders the opportunity to engage diplomatically and discreetly with President Tinubu in pursuit of a political solution.

“It is our responsibility to convey this unvarnished and sometimes bitter truth to those opportunists among us whom we describe as “Igbo crisis merchants”—who stand to gain from Kanu’s detention.

“Ceasefire for a period of 90 days is paramount.We respectfully call upon all parties involved to permit these sensitive discussions to transpire without interference until a satisfactory resolution regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s release is attained.

“Let us be perfectly clear: the Igbo Nation will hold accountable anyone whose illegitimate actions undermine this crucial process.The reckless use of force, baseless accusations, or misleading public statements aimed at discrediting the Federal Government serve only to distract from and disrupt the ongoing efforts to facilitate Kanu’s release.

“The stark reality—albeit uncomfortable—is that courtroom drama alone will not suffice; the ultimate resolution rests within President Tinubu’s authority to employ the necessary political solutions.”

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ADC coalition full of people with presidential ambitions – Datti Baba-Ahmed

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Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the running mate of Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, has observed that the opposition coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is full of people with presidential ambitions.

Ekwutosblog reports that the coalition consists of political bigwigs including former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Senate President David Mark, and numerous others.

Baba-Ahmed, speaking in an interview with Trust TV, explained that the ADC does not have a politician in the mould of Bola Tinubu that suppressed his presidential ambition to give a platform to the likes of Atiku in 2007 or former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

 

Noting that the coalition is full of options and and resources, Datti Baba-Ahmed said the downside is that the coalition is also full of ambitions.

“Ambitions have to be reduced and have to be managed carefully for it to stand the test of time in the history of Nigeria’s politics,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed insisted that he has not seen a clear strategy from the coalition leaders that could defeat Tinubu. He stressed that his submissions are not a criticism of the coalition.

“If you do business as usual against a seating government like Tinubu’s, the person would not win” he noted, stressing that there is a need to think outside the box.

“To achieve an impossible feat, one truly need an impossible strategy,” the former presidential running mate stated.

Stressing that Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) understand how to defeat Atiku, he advised that the ADC should not present him for the presidential election in 2027.

He said, “If you bring Atiku, they know how to work against Atiku, and he is welcome to win, if he wins we will support him. You need that candidate they can’t understand, they don’t know where to catch, that is how to win an election.”

Baba-Ahmed advised that the ADC should present someone that can carry the day in the 2027 elections, as the APC did when Buhari emerged as the party’s presidential candidate in 2015.

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2027: Nigerians stand with Tinubu – Sanwo-Olu warns ADC-led opposition

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has strongly dismissed the relevance of a proposed political coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, asserting that the movement lacks substance and direction.

Speaking in Lagos during an interactive session with journalists and political stakeholders, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in the President’s ongoing reform agenda and the sustained support of the Nigerian people. He described the coalition, reportedly aligning with the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as a “needless distraction” aimed at derailing the country’s progress.

“Nigerians will never go back to Egypt,” Sanwo-Olu said, suggesting that the country has moved beyond the political ideologies and approaches of the past.

“The goal of this coalition is clear, to distract the Commander-in-Chief and obstruct the tangible social and economic progress being achieved. But President Tinubu understands the game and remains focused,” he said.

The proposed alliance features a number of political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former governors Nasir el-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola. Despite their credentials, Sanwo-Olu maintained that the coalition represents what he termed a convergence of “discontented actors” rather than a serious alternative to the current administration.

He stressed that President Tinubu’s leadership has produced measurable outcomes, citing improved foreign exchange stability, the implementation of a student loan initiative, enhanced revenue for subnational governments following fuel subsidy removal, tax reforms, increased oil production, and advancements in infrastructure and minimum wage policies.

“President Tinubu is not just a leader but a nation-builder. His legacy of empowerment and vision continues to drive meaningful change across Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Responding to questions on whether the President or the All Progressives Congress, APC, feel threatened by the growing opposition, Sanwo-Olu was unequivocal: “There is no need for concern. Nigerians are discerning, they recognize real leadership and results when they see them. The record speaks louder than political noise.”

He also echoed sentiments previously expressed by some presidential aides, who characterized the coalition as a group of “political desperados” and “internally displaced politicians,” who should be ignored.

“They offer no new vision, only grievances. Their alliance is rooted in opposition to the President rather than a unifying ideology. Such efforts are bound to collapse under their own contradictions,” he added.

When asked what guidance he would offer the President amid the political rhetoric, Sanwo-Olu’s message was simple: “Stay the course. Millions of Nigerians, across party lines, recognize the difficulty of governance and the complexity of rebuilding a challenged economy. They trust his leadership and are firmly behind him.”

He urged the public to remain focused and resilient, stressing that distractions should not deter the administration from its commitment to national development.

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