FCT Aims High For National Sports Festival After Minister’s Rallying Call
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sports team has vowed to make a strong impact at the upcoming National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, following a passionate call from FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, urging them to compete fairly and secure medals.
This commitment was underscored during the presentation of the festival’s ‘Torch of Unity’ to the FCT Minister on Wednesday, marking the torch’s symbolic journey through Nigeria’s 36 states. The Torch arrived at the FCTA Secretariat after a grand ceremonial welcome at the Abuja City Gate by officials from the FCT Youth Development Secretariat and the National Sports Commission.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Chidi Amadi, Wike charged the athletes and coaches to excel and bring home numerous victories, highlighting his dedication to achievement and performance:
“Our athletes and coaches, you are here to represent the Federal Capital Territory. Your Minister is committed to accomplishments and excellence. We urge you to compete with determination and ensure you achieve outstanding results,” Amadi stated.
Mandate Secretary of the FCT Youth Development Secretariat, Comrade Ango Abdullahi, reinforced this message, setting high expectations:
“Our athletes must not only give their best—we are aiming for all the trophies. The Honourable Minister is a results-driven leader, and we have no excuse but to excel. FCT is coming for everything!”
FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, unveiled strategic plans, revealing that 150 athletes will compete across 22 sports. He set an ambitious goal of a historic single-digit finish:
“At the 21st edition, we finished ninth. Now, we aim for a top-five to seven placement. While winning the title is challenging, our focus remains on breaking into the top tier. Key hopes lie in gymnastics, karate, taekwondo, kung fu, athletics, and football.”
Istifanus noted that all sports are “medal-contending,” emphasizing improved preparedness in previously underperforming disciplines. “We have trained purposefully, and even sports that struggled last time have the potential to surprise this year,” he added, expressing confidence in the team’s mix of experience and emerging talent.
The FCT Youth Development Secretariat has intensified training camps and provided logistical support, aligning with Minister Wike’s performance-driven vision. Athletes, inspired by the Minister’s charge, have reportedly embraced a ‘no-limits’ mentality, with coaches emphasizing technical precision and resilience.
Recent incentives for past medal winners have further boosted morale. “Knowing our efforts are recognized motivates us to push harder,” said one team member.
The 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games,” will bring together thousands of athletes from across Nigeria later this year. For Team FCT, the mission is clear: to bring home medals and make Abuja proud. As Istifanus summed it up, “We are not just participants; we are ambassadors of excellence.”
