The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has urged FCT athletes and coaches preparing for the 2025 National Sports Festival to strive for victory.

Wike made the call while receiving the Torch of Unity for the 22nd edition of the festival, scheduled for May 16 to May 30, 2025, in Ogun .

The symbolic torch was presented to the minister by FCT athletes and officials of the National Sports Commission at his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

The presentation followed the official inauguration of the torch by President Bola Tinubu .

The minister, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Chidi Amadi, advised the athletes and coaches to train hard to achieve excellence and win many medals for the FCT.

He expressed the FCT Administration’s commitment to youths’ empowerment and the development of sports in the territory.

Wikw urged the athletes to go out there with determination to excel.

“Go out there and come back with results.

“We will be here waiting to receive the laurels, as many as you can come back with,” he said.

Wike further encouraged the coaches to impart their knowledge and skills effectively to the athletes, promising that exceptional performances would be duly recognised.

The minister, while emphasising the role of the festival in fostering national unity, commended the efforts of all stakeholders to make the festival a success.

He particularly commended Mr Abdullahi Ango, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Youth Development Secretariat and the members of the National Sports Commission, for the good work they had been doing for a hitch-free sports festival.

The Director of Sports, FCTA, Luka Istifanus assured the minister of adequate preparation to ensure the success of FCT athletes at the festival.

Isitianus also called on the athletes to strive for victory and bring pride to the FCT.

The Torch of Unity, a traditional symbol of the festival, representing Unity, strength and sportsmanship, will continue its journey from the FCT to all the 36 states of the federation. (NAN)