NOC Postpones 2026 Olympic Day Celebration

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has announced the postponement of the country’s 2026 Olympic Day celebration by one week.

The nationwide event, initially scheduled for Saturday, 27 June 2026, will now be held on Saturday, 4 July 2026.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the NOC’s Sport-For-All Commission on Friday, 6 June, following consultations with participating states and key stakeholders.

According to organisers, the adjustment is intended to provide states with additional time to coordinate activities and address logistical challenges ahead of the annual event.

Olympic Day is celebrated worldwide under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and seeks to promote physical activity, healthy living and social inclusion through sport.

Speaking during the meeting, Chairman of the NOC Sport-For-All Commission, Dr Abdul Ibrahim, urged organisers across the country to remain committed despite prevailing economic difficulties.

“You have always strived to achieve the best, and this year’s event should not be an exception,” Ibrahim said.

He also praised the leadership of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, headed by Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel, for its unwavering support of grassroots sports development initiatives.

So far, 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory have indicated interest in participating in this year’s celebration. They include Delta, Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Oyo, Anambra, Zamfara, Imo, Yobe, Kogi, Sokoto and Adamawa states.

The NOC expects more states to join the programme in the coming weeks.

Organisers have also called on corporate organisations, philanthropists and sports enthusiasts to support the initiative, describing Olympic Day as a powerful tool for promoting national unity, inter-generational interaction and healthier lifestyles.