As the maiden edition of the Kingdom Unity Games Abuja (KUGA) 2025 beckons, Engineer Ciroma Joseph has called on residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and other neighbouring states to come out and participate fully in the event.
Kingdom Unity Games Abuja, otherwise known as (KUGA2025) is an innovative tournament aims to foster unity and fellowship among christians from diverse denominations in the FCT and its environs through competitive sports. The event emphasizes peacebuilding, discipline, spiritual growth, and youth development.
However, the organizers of KUGA 2025, have officially announced Engineer Joseph as the Games’ Ambassador.
While speaking at the official confirmation ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday, August 28, Engr. Ciroma expressed deep appreciation for the honour bestowed on him.
“I am truly honoured to be associated with the 2025 Kingdom Unity Games,” he said, adding that: “Though, my background is in engineering and the power sector, I have always championed unity, peace, and youth development.
“Sports is one of the most powerful tools to achieve these goals. This event is more than just competition, it is about promoting peace, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or tribe.”
Engr. Ciroma, 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 have always been passionate about sports and youth empowerment. We have moved from the analogue age into a digital era and it is 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 Kingdom Unity Games, featuring three sporting events; Football, Baskeball and Volleyball will take place from September 6 to 13, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The KUGA 2025’s Ambassador, Engr. Ciroma, however, used the occasion to invite FCT residents and environs; 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 will personally reach out to my network to ensure we have a strong turnout for the opening, closing, and all events in between.”
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, even as security, logistics, infrastructure, and funding are key,” he said.
“I commend the current administration of President Bola Tinubu 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 said: “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.”
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.
