By Amaechi Agbo

The Federal Capital Territory Director of Sports, Chief Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma Monday received the 2020 National Sports Festival, NSF Torch of Unity in Abuja, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report

The Torch of Unity was handed over to the director at the Unity Gate by the Coordinator, North Central Zone, Mr Saka Akeem at 11am.

The Torch thereafter took off from the City Gate and proceeded to the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA where it was presented to the Minister, of the FCT, Bello Mohammed and FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijani Alihu.

Speaking while handing over the torch to the FCT Director of Sports, Saka Akeem described the NSF as a unifying sports.

“Today, I handover to you the 2020 National Sports Festival Unity Torch. This torch is a symbol of unity, peace and growth in Nigeria. It is on this basis that the NSF was envisaged and apart from producing talented players who have won laurels for the country in various global and continental competitions, it has also become a beacon of unity, peace and growth in the country,” he said.

In her response, Mrs Diichukwu Onyedinma thanked the Coordinator and the  Main Organising Committee, MOC for the 2020 NSF adding that the FCT is ready to break more grounds in the festival.

“It gladdens my heart that today we are receiving the 2020 National Sports Festival Unity Torch. Of course, the FCT slogan is ‘Centre of Unity’ and this torch has come to re-echo this national symbol. Sport is a unifying sector and over the years Nigeria and her people have benefited immensely from the joy, peace and love that sport glows.

“We hosted the NSF 2 years ago and we broke many records including coming 7^th in the overall medals table. This year, we aim to move a step up the ladder.

“It is on this basis that I thank the Honourable Ministers of the FCT Mohammed Bello, and FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijani Alihu for their immense support. Edo 2020 presents another opportunity for us and we are ready for the challenges. We will go and win,” she said.

The 2020 National Sports Festival Unity Torch will proceed from the FCT to Niger State tomorrow. It is expected go round the 36 states of the federation and the FCT before the festival commences in March.

The 20th National Sports Festival titled “EDO 2020” is scheduled to run from Friday, March 20 to Friday, April 3, 2020.

According to the timetable, the opening ceremony of the game holds March 22, 2020, while the closing ceremony was scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2020.