Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has said Calabar is prepared and safe to host the 2026 edition of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA).
Governor Otu gave the assurance during an inspection tour of facilities at the UJ Esuene Stadium with a delegation from NUGA and the management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), which won the hosting rights.
The governor described Calabar as a youth-friendly, peaceful, conducive, and welcoming city with a serene, green environment ideal for hosting national and international sporting events.
“The field we are standing on today has produced some of Nigeria’s greatest football icons, including Uwenm Ekarika, Etim Essien, and John Okon, among others. The first national football team captain was a Calabar man, who led the team to England for competitive matches,” Otu said.
Expressing gratitude for NUGA’s return to Calabar after 35 years, Governor Otu said he was confident the event would be a massive success under Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe’s leadership as Executive Secretary of the NUGA 2026 Local Organising Committee.
He also highlighted Calabar’s deep historical connection to sports, noting that it was the first city in Nigeria where football was played.
“Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe is known for his dedication and commitment to any responsibility entrusted to him. I have no doubt he will deliver excellently on this national assignment,” the governor added.
Governor Otu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, noting that the state government has significantly promoted sporting activities in the past two years and restored its pride in Cross River State.
Papa Dorncklaimz added that Uwem Ekarika, Etim Esin, and John Okon, whom the Governor mentioned, played for Rovers and the National team, adding that football was first played in Calabar.
He stated that Calabar has the greenest stadium in Nigeria, the best basketball court, and a world-class Olympic-size swimming pool, among other things.
“A Cross Riverian was the first captain of the National team.
A Cross Riverian was the captain of the first international tour of Nigerians to the UK. Calabar is home to table tennis with world-class champions. Calabar is home to the biggest carnival in Africa, where youths can interact properly. Unical hosting NUGA after the 35th is huge for the state,” he said.
Other officials present during the inspection tour included the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu; Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Executive Secretary of NUGA 2026, Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe, Mrs Opeoluwa Adeyemo-Anjorin, Chief Executive Officer, and Ugochukwu Osuji, Chief Growth Officer, among others.
