Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola receives torch of unity for “Eko 2012”

The Vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Namadi Sambo, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan handed over the torch of Unity to the Lagos state Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola during the official flag-off of the movement of the Torch round the country. The Lagos state governor who is very sure that the hosting of the 18th edition of the National Sports Festival by Lagos state would serve to bring back the purpose for which the Games were inaugurated in the first place which, according to him, is to unify and bring back Nigerians closer through sports.

Governor Fashola declared that, "We are challenged with the privilege of being the hosts immediately after a wonderful show by Rivers state", he also said that Lagos state will host a championship that is befitting of the very proud heritage and history of the sports festival.

"And, perhaps, more importantly, i want to say that as I receive this Torch of Unity and it begins its journey round the country, it will serve the purpose for which these game were inaugurated in the first place, to unify and bring closer our people", the governor said.

In response to the Press Men, He made it clear that,"We are prepared, though it is still work in progress but we are prepared to meet the time line set by the Main Organizing committee. All hands are on deck. We intend to host a championship that will meet all of the objectives of the National Sports Festival not only in terms of bringing Nigerians closer, unifying Nigerians, but also in terms of achieving talent development in sports and bringing harmony through sports".

However, the vice president commended the Lagos state government and his people for winning the bid to host the 18th edition of the Festival and also prayed that the nation would be hosted to a very successful festival come November this year.

EKO 2012 Shall be a Success come November 2012 by Gods grace!