Enugu has declared its readiness to host the nation as the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged Enugu 2026, prepares to kick off on November 28, following a positive assessment of venues, facilities and logistics by technical officials.
Athletes and officials from across the country are expected to arrive on November 26, ahead of the opening ceremony scheduled for November 28 at the main bowl of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Hon. Bukola Olopade, announced the schedule during a joint technical meeting involving state directors of sports, federation technical directors, federation secretaries-general, and members of the Main and Local Organising Committees.
The meeting, held at Independence Layout, Enugu, provided an opportunity to review preparations for the national sporting fiesta.
Olopade expressed confidence in Enugu State’s capacity to host a successful festival, declaring that the state was ready to welcome athletes, officials and sports stakeholders from across Nigeria.
He disclosed that the festival would end on December 12, 2026, while the departure of athletes, officials and contingents would take place on December 13.
Both the opening and closing ceremonies will hold at the main bowl of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
In a message to the organising committees, Governor Peter Mbah charged members to work diligently and justify the confidence reposed in them to deliver a successful festival.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, also urged committee members to demonstrate commitment and give their best in their respective subcommittees.
He said the collective efforts of the committees would be crucial to making Enugu 2026 one of the most successful editions in the history of the National Sports Festival.
Similarly, Secretary-General of the Local Organising Committee, Bamiduro Olumide, described the inauguration of the various subcommittees as a timely step towards ensuring effective coordination and successful delivery of the event.
He urged members to commence work immediately, stressing the need for commitment and efficiency in executing their respective responsibilities.
Olumide also disclosed that the outcome of the joint technical assessment had given a resounding pass mark to the venues, sporting facilities and other logistics put in place for the festival.
The assessment, conducted a few days before the meeting, reportedly confirmed the readiness of the facilities to accommodate the sporting events and other activities scheduled for the 23rd edition.
With the technical assessment completed and the organising structures activated, attention is now shifting to the arrival of contingents and the November 28 opening ceremony as Enugu prepares to welcome Nigeria’s sporting community.