Enugu State Governor, Mbah to inaugurate 23rd National Sports Festival LOC on Wednesday

Preparations are in full swing for the 23rd National Sports Festival, to be hosted by Enugu State, as the Coal City positions itself to deliver a memorable fiesta.

In a major step forward, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has approved the composition of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), which will be officially inaugurated on Wednesday.

In a meeting with Bukola Olopade, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) at the Enugu State Government House on Tuesday, Governor reaffirmed Enugu State’s resolve to deliver a world-class festival that will not only celebrate Nigeria’s athletic talents but also promote national unity and youth engagement.

The LOC comprises seasoned professionals with robust credentials in sports administration, youth development, and executive planning—positioning the State to deliver a seamless and impactful festival experience.

‘The National Sports Festival is more than just a competition; it’s a legacy project that transforms host cities. Enugu has shown impressive readiness and political will, which are the ingredients for success. We’re confident in their ability to deliver,’ said Olopade at the meeting.

Enugu State won the hosting rights for the 23rd edition of the festival after a highly competitive bidding process. The event is scheduled for 2026 and is expected to draw over thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators from across the country.

Building on the successes of Gateway Games 2024, Enugu State is poised to raise the bar even higher.

Committing itself to early planning, the State Government has promised to lay the groundwork for a landmark edition of the National Sports Festival—one that will celebrate athletic excellence, foster national unity, and leave a lasting legacy for the future of Nigerian sports.