Enugu 2026: Governor Mbah Rules Out National Sports Festival Postponement

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has ruled out any postponement of the 23rd National Sports Festival, Enugu 2026, amid preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Mbah gave the assurance when the Main Organising Committee (MOC) Advisory Team for the Festival paid a strategic working visit to the Enugu State Government House to assess preparations for the multi-sport event.

The meeting, led by MOC Consultant Dr Kweku Tandoh, focused on progress made by the MOC and Local Organising Committee (LOC), as well as areas requiring urgent intervention to ensure the Games are delivered on schedule.

Governor Mbah directed immediate action on the issues raised and constituted a monitoring team to provide him with daily updates on preparations.

He also ordered the immediate activation of the LOC secretariat as the operational centre for the Festival and directed the composition and activation of all LOC subcommittees.

To improve efficiency and accountability, the governor approved a reduction in the number of LOC subcommittees from 19 to 13.

Most significantly, Mbah gave a categorical assurance that Enugu 2026 would not be postponed, directing that all facilities earmarked for the Festival, including the Games Village and competition venues, must be completed ahead of the opening.

The governor’s position is particularly significant as Nigeria begins preparations for the 2027 general elections, which could potentially place additional demands on government resources and logistics.

Mbah also directed the immediate activation of media, publicity and marketing strategies to commence nationwide awareness and mobilisation for the Games.

He expressed his willingness to maintain regular meetings with the MOC Advisory Team to review progress, resolve challenges and keep preparations on track.

The advisory team, in turn, assured the governor of the continued support of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and MOC in working with the Enugu State Government to deliver a peaceful, well-organised and successful Festival.

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

The team also conveyed the goodwill 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 it would be the first time since the Imo ’98 Games that a South-East state will host the National Sports Festival.

Beyond competition, the Enugu Games are expected to provide an important platform for talent identification and development while showcasing the cultural heritage of Enugu State and the wider South-East region.