In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the 23rd National Sports Festival—set to be hosted by Enugu State in 2026—has entered a dynamic new phase, as major corporate partners Premium Trust Bank and BetKing formally pledged their sponsorship for what is expected to be the most transformative edition of the Games to date.
The landmark announcement followed a high-level meeting in Enugu involving key stakeholders, including the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade; the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah; PremiumTrust Bank Managing Director, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, CON; and BetKing Managing Director, Gossy Ukanwoke.
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The discussions centered on strategic pillars for Enugu 2026, including infrastructure development, logistics, youth empowerment, sponsorship partnerships, and legacy programming.
The presence and participation of top corporate executives signaled growing confidence in the Games’ potential as a national catalyst for development.
Premium Trust Bank was unveiled as the headline sponsor of the 2026 National Sports Festival, reaffirming its deepening commitment to Nigeria’s sporting renaissance, having also played a lead role in the successful Gateway Games Ogun 2024. BetKing, a major player in Nigeria’s tech-driven sports entertainment sector, also confirmed its sponsorship, joining as a key partner for Enugu 2026.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the agreement as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s sports evolution:
“This is a turning point for Nigerian sports. We are witnessing the tangible impact of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. Sports is no longer just a recreational endeavor—it is now recognized as a key pillar of national development, capable of driving economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure investment.”
According to Hon. Olopade, the decision by leading brands to invest in the 2026 Games reflects the exceptional leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, whose administration has prioritized infrastructure renewal, youth inclusion, and innovation across all sectors.
“Governor Mbah’s bold vision for Enugu is inspiring investor confidence. What we’re seeing is a convergence of governance and enterprise to redefine what sports can do for our nation,” he added.
PremiumTrust Bank MD, Emmanuel Emefienim, CON, reiterated the bank’s strategic commitment to developing both grassroots and elite sports in Nigeria. BetKing’s MD, Gossy Ukanwoke, also emphasized the growing synergy between the private sector and national sports development.
Since assuming office, the leadership of the NSC—under the chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade as DG—has made major strides in repositioning sports within Nigeria’s broader economic framework. President Tinubu’s directive to elevate sports as a core element of national renewal has provided the mandate for deep reforms and unprecedented private sector engagement.
With early planning, robust sponsorship, and visionary leadership, the 23rd National Sports Festival in Enugu is on course to become a model for future editions—where sports, commerce, and national pride intersect to deliver impact and legacy
