The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeyinka, has described the unveiling of the official mascot and logo of the 23rd National Sports Festival, Coal City Games Enugu 2026, as another demonstration of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to transforming Nigerian sports through policies that deliver lasting value beyond competitions.
Adeboye spoke on Friday following the unveiling of the mascot and logo in Enugu, coming shortly after a two-day inspection of sporting facilities, accommodation and other critical infrastructure across the state ahead of the Games.
The Presidential aide said the inspection and the subsequent unveiling had given him a clearer appreciation of the scale of preparations underway in Enugu and, more importantly, the emerging legacy of the National Sports Festival under the present administration.
According to him, one of the significant changes introduced under President Tinubu’s administration is the Federal Government’s decision to support host states with the development of sporting infrastructure as part of the hosting of the National Sports Festival.
He described the policy as a major departure from the traditional approach where host states were largely left to shoulder the burden of preparing facilities for the Games.
“What President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing with sports is different. We are no longer looking at the National Sports Festival simply as an event that comes to a state and leaves. We are beginning to ensure that the host state has something permanent to show for hosting the Festival.”
Adeboye said Enugu State is already benefiting from this new approach, pointing specifically to the Olympic-size swimming pool being developed with Federal Government support as part of the infrastructure legacy of Enugu 2026.
He described the project as a significant investment that would remain available to the people of Enugu long after the athletes and officials have departed.
“This Olympic-size swimming pool is not just for the Games. It is an investment in the people of Enugu and in the future of Nigerian sports. After the Festival, the facility remains here for athletes, young people, schools and future generations. That is what we mean when we talk about legacy.”
The SSA noted that such investments are particularly important to grassroots sports development because access to quality facilities remains one of the biggest challenges facing young athletes across the country.
He stressed that the Federal Government’s strategy is to gradually change that narrative by ensuring that sporting infrastructure becomes a permanent part of the development agenda.
“Infrastructure is where development begins. You cannot ask a young athlete to become a champion when there is nowhere for that athlete to train. President Tinubu understands this, and that is why the investment in facilities is becoming an important part of our sports development policy.”
Adeboye commended the tge National Sports Commission for working closely with the Enugu State Government to ensure that the Games are not only successfully delivered but also leave meaningful infrastructure and developmental benefits behind.
He also praised Governor Peter Mbah and the Enugu State Government for their commitment to the hosting of the first National Sports Festival in the state.
The SSA said the unveiling of the mascot and logo was significant because it marked the transition from preparation to public anticipation, giving the Coal City Games a national identity ahead of the Festival.
He described the mascot as more than a symbol, noting that it would help carry the message of Enugu 2026 across Nigeria and create excitement among young athletes and sports lovers.
Adeboye further explained that the National Sports Festival remains one of the most important platforms for grassroots talent identification in Nigeria, providing a pathway through which young athletes can progress towards national teams, international competitions and professional careers.
“The real winners of the National Sports Festival are not only those who stand on the podium. The real winners are the young talents who will be discovered here, given a pathway and supported to become tomorrow’s champions.”
He said the success of Enugu 2026 would therefore be measured not only by the quality of the competition but by the athletes discovered, the facilities delivered and the opportunities created for young Nigerians.
The SSA also welcomed the growing involvement of corporate partners, including Premium Trust Bank, describing private-sector participation as critical to building a sustainable sports ecosystem.
He called for more partnerships between government, corporate organisations, sports federations and communities to ensure that the gains of the National Sports Festival extend beyond the two weeks of competition.
Adeboye expressed confidence that the Coal City Games would provide an important platform for Nigerian athletes to showcase their abilities while further strengthening the connection between grassroots sports and elite competition.
“President Tinubu has given us a clear direction: build a sports system that works, invest in the people and create opportunities. Our responsibility is to ensure that these policies translate into real facilities, real competitions and real opportunities for young Nigerians.”
He congratulated the people and Government of Enugu State on the unveiling and expressed optimism that the November 27 to December 11, 2026 Festival would leave behind a legacy worthy of the historic occasion.
“Enugu 2026 is not just about hosting the National Sports Festival. It is about building something that will remain long after the Festival is over.”
