The Enugu State Government on Wednesday officially inaugurated the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games Enugu 2026,” signaling a major step in preparations for the country’s premier sporting event.
The event, held in Enugu, featured the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, who commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his prompt and strategic move to set the festival’s planning in motion.
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“With the inauguration of this high-powered committee, we are confident that the Coal City Games will raise the bar in excellence, inclusion, and legacy,” Olopade said, pledging the NSC’s full support.
The LOC is chaired by Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr., and comprises experienced professionals in sports administration, law, and event management. Key members include Olympian Mary Onyali, sports lawyer Aku Akazu, NPFL COO Davidson Owumi, and Badminton Federation official Blessing Chisalam Ekwe, among others.
Governor Mbah unveiled a comprehensive plan to host a world-class festival, including the construction of a new Games Village, remodeling of existing stadiums into international-standard facilities, and the development of new sports infrastructure across the state.
He also emphasized promoting local content by engaging indigenous contractors, vendors, and creatives to boost the local economy and showcase Enugu’s cultural heritage.
The National Sports Festival, often regarded as Nigeria’s “Olympics,” is expected to attract thousands of athletes from all 36 states and the FCT in 2026. The Enugu edition aims to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by leveraging the sports sector for economic growth and national unity
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