Enugu 2026: MOC Team Secures Mbah’s Fresh Commitment, Rules Out Sports Festival Postponement

The Main Organising Committee (MOC) Advisory Team for the 23rd National Sports Festival, Enugu 2026, has secured renewed commitment from Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah as preparations for the Games gather pace.

The advisory team, led by MOC Consultant Dr Kweku Tandoh, paid a strategic working visit to Governor Mbah at the Enugu State Government House on Wednesday to review the state of preparations and highlight areas requiring urgent executive intervention.

The meeting focused on milestones achieved by the MOC and Local Organising Committee (LOC), as well as critical preparations needed to ensure the Festival is delivered on schedule and to the standards expected by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Following the briefing and deliberations, Governor Mbah directed immediate action on the issues raised and constituted a monitoring team to provide him with daily updates on preparations across the various areas.

The governor also ordered the immediate activation of the LOC secretariat as the operational hub for the Festival and directed the composition and activation of all LOC subcommittees.

In a move aimed at improving coordination and accountability, he approved a reduction in the number of subcommittees from 19 to 13.

Mbah also gave a firm assurance that the Festival would not be postponed, directing that all sporting infrastructure earmarked for the Games, including the Games Village and competition venues, be completed and ready ahead of the opening date.

He further directed the immediate commencement of media, publicity and marketing activities to create nationwide awareness and build interest in the Festival.

The governor also expressed his intention to maintain regular meetings with the MOC Advisory Team to monitor progress, address challenges and ensure that preparations remain on course.

The advisory team assured the governor of the continued support of the NSC and the MOC, stressing their commitment to working closely with the Enugu State Government to deliver a peaceful, well-organised and successful Festival.

The delegation included Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa, Sunday Odebode, Idowu Oladipupo and LOC Secretary-General Olumide Bamiduro.

The team also conveyed the greetings of NSC Director-General and MOC Chairman, Hon Bukola Olopade, to the governor.

The delegation commended Enugu State for accepting to host the 23rd edition of Nigeria’s biggest multi-sport event, noting that the Festival will mark the first time since the Imo ’98 Games that a South-East state has hosted the National Sports Festival.

Beyond the sporting competition, the Games are expected to provide a major platform for identifying emerging Nigerian athletes while showcasing the cultural heritage of Enugu State and the wider South-East region.