Ogun 2024: Kefas receives Torch of Unity from NSC in Taraba
OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas Tuesday received a team of diligent sports men and women from the national Sports commission (NSC), Abuja the federal capital territory.
The team, our Correspondent gathered presented to the Governor a ‘Torch of Unity for the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged, “Gateway Games, Ogun 2024”.
Receiving the Torch from the visitors during a ceremony at the T.Y. Danjyma Government House Jalingo, Governor Kefas commended the visitors and pledged that Taraba State would be part of the ceremony.
Speaking with Journalists shortly, the team leader from the National Sports commission (NSC), Abuja Ikana Mbora said they were in Taraba State to convey a message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who mandated them to create an awareness and invite every state in the country to the National Sports Festival slated for Abeokuta in Ogun State.
“Each time you see the torch come your State, that’s an indication for invitation and that symbolizes the torch for unity”, she said.
According to her, there are several categories of sports and catchment areas where individuals are good at and are allowed to showcase their talents.
“The sports festival is for all of us and if your State can participate in all the sporting activities, the better for you”,
“The essence of sports is that it cuts our restiveness and brings all of us together”, she added.
Also speaking in an interview, a two time African Badminton champion from Taraba State, Jinkam Bulus Ephraim, expressed confidence that contingents from Taraba State would come out victorious, winning as many laurels as possible.
The ceremony was graced by dignitaries from Taraba State who among them were, Governor Agbu Kefas, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Bar.(Chief) Gebon Timothy Kataps, Commissioner for Sports, Hon Joseph Joshua and other top government functionaries.
The Torch, our Reporter revealed has left Jalingo the State capital to Yola, the Adamawa State capital and to other States in the Northeast geo-political zone.
“The Torch, which herald the commencement of the National Sports Festival was flagged-off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 25th March, 2025 to signify National Unity”,
“The procession started from Jalingo local government Secretariat round-about to the T.Y. Danjuma Government House, Jalingo where the governor received the Torch”,
“Ogun 2024, the gateway games was slated to hold in 2024 but was postponed hence the name, Ogun 2024”, our Correspondent added.
