‘We are poised to give Nigerians and the world at large a world class sporting festival’: Says Enugu State Governor, Mbah

Dr Peter Mbah, the executive governor of Enugu state has promised a National Sports Festival never seen before in the history of the multi-sports fiesta.

Mbah, while inaugurating the Local Organising Committee, LOC, for the Festival in his office on Wednesday, said the state was not just determined to host the NSF, but to also give the nation’s sports industry and sports lovers an unforgettable experience.

Mbah said the government was deliberate in the choice of members, assembling experienced persons from around the country to ensure that Enugu lived up to expectation.

‘We want to set the standard because we are Enugu. I am happy that the membership of the LOC is quite rich. It comprises people with great experience in sport administration, and frankly speaking, their reputations precede them. Therefore, we are glad to have this pool of resources to be members of the LOC,’ he said.

Mbah added that the state would also leverage its experience hosting the 2009 Under 17 FIFA World Cup and the recent Enugu City International Marathon, noting that his administration was already taking steps to ensure that the sports infrastructure for the NSF were brought to world standard.

‘We have started taking steps at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. We are going to do an extensive revamp. It is going to take a new look. You are not going to recognise the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium because we will bring it to almost a brand new stadium.

‘We are also identifying other sporting centers that are not there, such as the aquatic centre. They are going to be there. We are also doing a fit-for-purpose games village known as the Agwu Games Village. We are building new structures there.

‘We are indeed poised to give Nigerians and the world at large a world class sporting festival,’ Governor Mbah concluded.

Listing the terms of reference of the LOC, he said the Committee would, among other things ‘be responsible for the successful conduct of the festival; be responsible for the planning and execution of the festival to ensure that the event is organised with the relevant regulations guiding the games.’

The Committee is also to set up relevant subcommittees as it deemed fit and in accordance with the Festival’s regulations and be responsible for coordinating the activities of the various Sub-Committees; and ensure the availability of the games village that will accommodate all the accredited athletes and officials.