In a spirited ceremony held at the PA Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State gave a ceremonial send-off to its contingents heading to the 2025 National Sports Festival (NSF), scheduled to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Representing the state governor, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Hillary Ogbonna Obiessie, delivered a stirring address on behalf of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. He described the governor as a “sports-loving leader” whose consistent support has elevated Ebonyi’s standing as an emerging force in Nigerian sports.
“I am honoured to stand here today and commend our governor who has given us this platform to compete and shine like other states,” Obiessie declared. “You are not just athletes, you are ambassadors of Ebonyi State. We don’t make noise; we let our achievements speak volumes.”
He urged the athletes to uphold discipline, unity, and integrity, stressing the importance of their conduct both on and off the field.
Ebonyi State Team For 2025 National Sports Festival.
“You’re wearing the mirror of the state, our peace, our progress, our pride. Do not tarnish that image. Walk tall, act right, and let the media make the noise about your excellence,” he added.
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Obiessie also commended the Director of Sports, Emmanuel Utobo, calling him a “seasoned icon” in Nigeria’s sporting community. He encouraged athletes to voice any challenges they encounter for swift resolution by the leadership team.
Highlighting recent milestones, he pointed to Abakaliki FC Ebonyi’s state-owned football club now in the NNL semi-finals of the Nigeria Challenge Cup as a symbol of the state’s rapid rise in national sports.
“That club is just months old and already making headlines. It’s not by chance—it’s divine, and it’s driven by the vision of our governor,” he said.
In his remarks, Utobo, who also serves as Chairman of the All Directors of Sports Forum in Nigeria, reaffirmed the state’s readiness for the festival.
“Our athletes have been in intensive training. The Paralympians have been in closed camp and others in open camp. We’re fully prepared,” he assured.
He expressed gratitude to the state government for its ongoing investment in sports, describing it as the driving force behind Ebonyi’s recent sporting successes.
Several athletes, including Esther Anya and Wilfred David, voiced their determination to make Ebonyi proud by bringing home gold medals.
The atmosphere at the departure was filled with optimism and unity, capturing the momentum of Ebonyi’s rising profile in Nigeria’s sporting landscape.
A total of 91 athletes from the state are expected to compete in 11 disciplines, including athletics, taekwondo, swimming, cricket, and wrestling.
