Ahead of the start of the inaugural edition of the Kingdom Unity Games Abuja (KUGA) 2025, organizers have officially announced Engineer Ciroma Joseph as the Games’ Ambassador.
The Kingdom Unity Games Abuja, set to take place from September 6 to 13, 2025, in Abuja, is a faith-based sporting initiative designed to unite youths from across the FCT and neighboring states through competitive sports. The event emphasizes peacebuilding, discipline, spiritual growth, and youth development.
Speaking at the official confirmation ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday, Engr. Ciroma expressed deep appreciation for the honor bestowed on him.
“I’m truly honored to be associated with the 2025 Kingdom Unity Games,” he said. “Though my background is in engineering and the power sector, I’ve always championed unity, peace, and youth development. Sports is a major powerful tools to achieve these goals. This event is more than just competition—it’s about promoting peace, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or tribe.”
Engr. Joseph, an international chess player and former Secretary of the Nigerian NEPA Chess Association, recalled his experiences organizing chess tournaments that brought people together from across the power sector. According to him, such events demonstrate how sports can transcend barriers and foster a sense of shared identity.
“Though I come from an engineering background, I’ve always been passionate about sports and youth empowerment. We’ve moved from the analogue age into a digital era, and it’s important that our youth grow with the times. The Unity Games provide a platform for them to express themselves positively, build discipline, and find purpose.”
The Ambassador, Engr. Joseph equally called on residents of Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and other neighboring regions to participate and show support.
“I invite everyone—youths, leaders, elders, religious groups, and communities—to be part of this historic event. This is the first edition, and how we begin will determine the future of the Games. I’ll personally reach out to my network to ensure we have strong turnout for the opening, closing, and all events in between.”
He also commended the Moshood Abiola National Stadium as a fitting venue, highlighting its capacity to host large-scale events and accommodate thousands of participants and spectators.
Addressing the role of the government, Engr. Ciroma emphasized the importance of continued support from public institutions.
“No initiative of this scale can succeed without a supportive environment. The government’s role is crucial—security, logistics, infrastructure, and funding are key. I commend the current administration for its recent support of sports and urge both federal and local governments to keep supporting youth-focused programs like KUGA. Sports can serve as a strong antidote to insecurity and youth restiveness.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Solomon Omonokhua, Convener of KUGA 2025 and representative of the Kingdom Star Sports International Foundation, described the event as a bold step toward discovering and nurturing young athletic talent within church communities across the FCT and beyond.
“Our goal is to identify gifted young athletes who may otherwise go unnoticed,” said Omonokhua. “Through this platform, we want to provide them with exposure and opportunities to be scouted by local and international talent agencies.”
In collaboration with Celebrity Sports Magazine, the Games aim to establish a sustainable sports platform that connects youth to professional pathways while promoting peace and unity.
Ambassador Omonokhua stressed the inclusive and interfaith nature of the event:
“Though KUGA is rooted in the Christian community, the Games welcome participants from all faiths—Christians, Muslims, and others. It is a platform to foster national unity, peace, and youth engagement through sports.”
KUGA 2025 Sports Line-Up The 2025 edition of KUGA will feature three major sports disciplines: Football: 24 male teams drawn from churches representing five major Christian blocs and Basketball: 16 teams, both male and female.as well as Volleyball: 16 teams, across both genders.
Ambassador Omonokhua concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the organizing team to deliver a world-class sporting experience that blends faith, fun, and future-building for the youth.
