SEDC Backs Coal City Games 2026 with Major Financial Support

The build-up to the 2026 National Sports Festival in Enugu State, tagged Coal City Games, has received a significant boost after the South East Development Commission pledged financial support for the multi-sport event.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Mark Okoye, confirmed the commitment, describing the partnership as part of the agency’s broader mandate to drive development across key sectors in the South-East.

Okoye said the commission was excited to associate with the festival, highlighting the role of sports in youth empowerment and regional development.

“We are very enthused to be part of the Coal City Games because we understand the power of sport in developing our youth across the South-East,” he said. “We are also proud to identify with the transformation currently taking place in Nigerian sports under the leadership of the National Sports Commission.”

He added that the commission had been encouraged by the impact of the previous festival hosted in Ogun State.

“We saw the huge transformation that came with the Gateway Games last year, and we have no doubt that the Coal City Games will also be a major success,” Okoye said.

Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, welcomed the support, noting that the festival is becoming increasingly attractive to both government institutions and corporate organisations.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kola Daniel, Olopade said the growing interest reflects the positive impact of recent reforms in Nigerian sports.

He credited the progress to the backing of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has supported initiatives aimed at revitalising the country’s sports sector.

Olopade also noted that the 2026 edition carries special significance for the region.

“This will be the first time in 28 years that the South-East will host the National Sports Festival, and we must thank Mr President for ensuring the region remains an integral part of his administration’s development and empowerment agenda,” he said.

He added that the Enugu-hosted festival is expected to build on the gains recorded at the Gateway Games and expressed appreciation to Okoye and the SEDC leadership for their support.

“I want to thank the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission on behalf of the Chairman of the Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, and the entire commission. We also encourage more corporate bodies to come on board as we work to make the National Sports Festival a truly world-class competition,” Olopade said.